Braydon Hawthorne is quickly making waves in Lexington as one of the most talked-about newcomers on the Kentucky Wildcats roster. The freshman guard has not only impressed his teammates with his work ethic and poise but has also caught the attention of head coach Mark Pope, who has gone so far as to compare him to one of Kentucky’s all-time legends.
During a recent media session, Pope didn’t hold back in his praise for Hawthorne, highlighting his competitive nature, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities despite being one of the youngest players on the roster. “Braydon has something special,” Pope said. “You don’t usually see that kind of maturity and intensity from a freshman. He reminds me a lot of [Kentucky legend name omitted], not just in how he plays, but how he carries himself.”
Although Pope stopped short of naming the exact player in every public setting, insiders suggest the comparison is to none other than Tayshaun Prince — the former NBA champion and defensive standout who made a lasting mark at Kentucky with his versatility and elite two-way play. Like Prince, Hawthorne is a long, wiry wing who can score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and impact the game without needing the ball in his hands constantly.
Hawthorne, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Florida, came into the program as a four-star recruit known for his athleticism and defensive instincts. However, it’s been his relentless motor, unselfish play, and willingness to embrace Kentucky’s demanding culture that have elevated his stock internally
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