Mark Pope compares the 4-star freshman’s skillset and frame to Kentucky legend Tayshaun Prince.
Kentucky Wildcats freshman Braydon Hawthorne is already turning heads in Lexington, and he hasn’t even played a college game yet.
During Monday’s media press conference, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had glowing words for the 6-foot-8, 175-pound small forward from Huntington, West Virginia, even comparing him to one of the greatest Wildcats of all time.
“Braydon Hawthorne, he is a unique player,” Pope said. “I can’t wait until you guys get to watch him and see him on the court. I was with Tayshaun Prince for quite a while, maybe a week ago, and he just…build, body, skill set…there is a whole bunch of Tayshaun Prince in this kid, and I know those are big words.
“Tayshaun Prince is one of the best players to ever play here and had an incredible NBA career, a championship NBA career.”
It wasn’t just the basketball instincts that caught Pope’s eye. His athleticism and physical tools are already impressing Kentucky’s performance team.
“You rarely talk about a guy’s ankle mobility, but that was the first thing that my performance team said: ‘His ankle mobility is insane,’” Pope added. “And when you see him cut and move, that’s the way it feels. He’s kinda all arms and legs, but he can change direction and get downhill. He’s got impressive length. He’s going to be really fun.”
Wildcat fans won’t have to wait long to see what kind of impact Hawthorne can bring, and the hype is already building.