Braydon Hawthorne didn’t need long to make an impression in Kentucky’s season opener, and Milan Momcilovic made sure to put that impression into words.
The young wing finally saw the floor for the Wildcats on Tuesday night after not playing in Lexington last season, and he wasted little time showing why he has people talking. In the win over Manhattan, Hawthorne finished with eight points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. One of the night’s most eye-catching moments came on a put-back dunk that made him look like he was floating above the rim.
Momcilovic, who paced Kentucky with 24 points, was asked after the game about Hawthorne’s impact. His answer started with the kind of detail that tells you just how difficult Hawthorne can be to deal with in practice.
“Yeah, I mean, my first impression of him was, I mean, we guard each other probably most practices or similar positions, and I think my first couple 3s got tipped by him when I came here in the summer. I was just like, he’s got a seven-five wingspan, so he honestly makes me a lot better in practice.
Just because I got to find a way to get off quicker, get off around him because he’s so long. So, we have a lot of good matchups in practice, but I mean, he does a lot of good things for us out there.”
That’s high praise on its own, especially coming from a shooter who has to live with Hawthorne’s length every day. But Momcilovic didn’t stop there. He took the comparison all the way to Kevin Durant.
“I mean, he just uses length very well. You know, tipped on his blocks. He had a couple nice mid posts, just, you know, kind of reminds me of Kevin Durant a little bit, so I mean, obviously he’s still working a lot, but he’s gonna be good for us.”
That’s the kind of compliment that lands loudly. Hawthorne is still early in his development, but the tools are obvious, and Tuesday night gave Kentucky a glimpse of what that upside can look like. If he keeps building on this start, he could become a major piece for Pope’s team very quickly.
In Other News...
Kentucky Heads Into Tennessee With One Big Availability Concern
The SEC Availability Report for Kentuckys trip to Tennessee has been updated, and it gives the Wildcats a clearer picture of who will and wont be available heading into a rivalry game that already carries plenty of weight. Kentucky did get one player moved up to probable, which is at least a small sign of progress as the team continues to work through a list of long-term injuries that have thinned the roster.
Tennessees report brings its own set of concerns, with multiple long-term injuries and several starters already ruled out for the season. For Kentucky, the bigger question is how much the latest availability shift changes the rotation and whether the Wildcats can absorb the absences well enough to stay competitive in a game where depth and health may matter as much as anything else. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Gets One More Clue About Mark Pope Before Bigger Tests
Preston Spradlins return to Lexington adds a little extra texture to a game Kentucky is expected to handle comfortably. The former Wildcats assistant now leads James Madison, a program that has established itself as one of the stronger teams in the Sun Belt, so this is not just a nostalgia visit for an old staff hand. It is also another early look at how Mark Popes group is settling in before the schedule gets tougher.
Pope has already made one notable roster decision by ending recruiting efforts with two five-star prospects after adding a new center, a sign the front office is focused on the pieces already in place. For Kentucky, the bigger picture is less about one December-like matchup and more about how the coach balances evaluation, development and the realities of a roster that may be largely set. Games like this can still offer a useful read, even if the betting line suggests the Wildcats should be in control. [Read more 🡒]
Lance Heard Is Giving Kentucky Fans One More Reason To Watch Tennessee
Lance Heard has given Kentucky fans a fresh reason to keep an eye on Tennessee, even with the rivalry game still ahead. The Wildcats offensive lineman was named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award and is also on the Outland Trophy watch list, recognition that reflects just how steady he has been this season.
Heard has logged 461 snaps and drawn praise for both his performance and the way he has carried himself inside the program. Coach Will Stein has singled out Heards leadership and overall impact heading into Kentuckys matchup with Tennessee, adding another layer to a game that already carries plenty of weight for the Wildcats. [Read more 🡒]