Four-Star Wing Braydon Hawthorne Requests Release from West Virginia
In a surprising turn of events, four-star wing Braydon Hawthorne has reportedly requested his release from West Virginia University’s basketball program. The highly touted recruit, who committed to the Mountaineers during the 2025 recruiting cycle, was expected to be a key piece in head coach Darian DeVries’ plans for the upcoming season.
Hawthorne, a 6’7” forward from Indianapolis, Indiana, was ranked among the top 50 prospects in the nation by major recruiting services. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability, he had drawn comparisons to some of the best wings in college basketball. His decision to request a release has left many fans and analysts speculating about the reasons behind his departure.
Sources close to the program suggest that Hawthorne’s decision may be related to personal reasons or a desire to explore other opportunities. While West Virginia has not yet officially commented on the situation, it is expected that the university will grant his release, allowing him to reopen his recruitment.
If Hawthorne does indeed enter the transfer portal, he will likely become one of the most sought-after players available. Several high-profile programs are already rumored to be interested in securing his services, including Kentucky, Duke, and Michigan State.
This development is a significant blow to West Virginia, which had high hopes for Hawthorne’s impact on the court. However, the Mountaineers remain focused on building a competitive roster under Coach DeVries, who has a proven track record of developing talent and winning games.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.
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