Braydon Hawthorne might not be logging minutes in Kentucky’s box scores just yet, but don’t let that fool you-he’s already making his presence felt in a big way behind the scenes. As the Wildcats gear up for a marquee matchup against No. 16 North Carolina, the freshman forward has taken on a crucial role in practice: playing the part of UNC’s star freshman Caleb Wilson on the scout team.
And according to his teammates, Hawthorne has been killing it in that role.
“Braydon’s a great player, so having him on the scout team to help us get ready for these games coming up has been awesome,” said sophomore guard Collin Chandler. “Energy aside, he’s been great for our team.”
That’s high praise, especially considering the player he’s emulating. Wilson isn’t just another talented freshman-he’s the engine of this Tar Heels squad.
A projected NBA lottery pick, Wilson leads UNC in both scoring (19.9 PPG) and rebounding (9.9 RPG), while also averaging a combined 3.0 steals and blocks per game. At 6-foot-10 with elite versatility, he’s the kind of matchup nightmare that keeps coaches up at night-and the focal point of Kentucky’s game plan heading into Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.
Finding someone in practice who can replicate Wilson’s unique blend of size, length, and athleticism is no easy task. But Hawthorne, standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, gives Kentucky a much-needed look at what they’re up against.
“(Hawthorne is) so long. Caleb Wilson is very long and athletic,” Chandler added.
“Braydon brings that to the table that we probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Someone who can give us that look.
He’s helped us a lot to prepare.”
Sure, Hawthorne’s giving up around 25 pounds to Wilson, and no one’s pretending it’s a perfect one-to-one comparison. But in terms of simulating Wilson’s physical presence and movement patterns, Hawthorne’s frame and instincts make him the best option on the scout team. And more importantly, he’s embracing the role with the kind of energy and buy-in that coaches dream about.
It’s also part of a larger trend for Hawthorne, who’s quietly been finding his footing at the college level. The adjustment period for freshmen is real-especially at a blue blood like Kentucky-but those around the program say the game is starting to slow down for him.
“In the beginning, he was kinda figuring it out,” said senior guard Otega Oweh. “Your head is spinning, a whole lot is being thrown at you, but now he’s real comfortable.
We’ve seen him in practice every day. I even said the other day, I was like, ‘Braydon, you’re figuring it out.’”
That development shouldn’t come as a surprise. Hawthorne was a late riser in the high school ranks, but he finished as the No. 35 overall prospect in the 2025 class-ahead of fellow Wildcat Jasper Johnson, who’s already contributing with 7.7 points in 18.7 minutes per game.
The talent is there. The frame is there.
And if he redshirts this season, it’s not because he isn’t ready to compete-it’s because Kentucky’s long-term vision for him might be even bigger.
In the meantime, Hawthorne’s carving out a different kind of impact. Whether it’s simulating a future NBA lottery pick in practice or bringing relentless energy from the bench, he’s quickly becoming a glue guy in the truest sense.
“Braydon Hawthorne has been probably the life of the team,” Chandler said. “His energy is the same every day.
I know that’s something that people can just say, but it really is true. His energy is great for our team.”
So when Kentucky takes the floor against the Tar Heels and attempts to slow down one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country, don’t overlook the freshman who won’t be in the box score. Because if the Wildcats manage to contain Caleb Wilson, it’ll be in part because Braydon Hawthorne already gave them a preview of what was coming.