In addition, Hawthorne shared an Instagram story post with a photo he took next to the Joe B. Hall statue as a child. “When childhood dreams become REALITY,” he wrote. You gotta love to hear that, BBN. A great addition and a solid player for hopefully years to come.

From Beckley, West Virginia, Hawthorne was committed to his home state Mountaineers before deciding to reopen his recruitment. After visits and offers from multiple high-major programs, Hawthorne will join Kentucky's 2025 class, which features high 4-star recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.

Among his many accolades, Hawthorne was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, a Wootten Top 150 participant, the most valuable player at the Dr. Pepper Classic, a standout at the Paul Bincardi Camp, a Grind Session All-Star and a Big Shots Prep Nationals High School All-Star.