Will Jon Scheyer and Duke pull off another key recruiting win with late-rising prospect Braydon Hawthorne?
April is always a busy month in the world of college basketball. The season ends, coaching changes begin, and the transfer portal swings wide open, setting off a chain reaction of movement across the country. This spring has been no different—and it may soon result in a major recruiting win for the Duke Blue Devils.
One name that’s drawn increasing attention is Braydon Hawthorne, a rising 4-star recruit who suddenly became available after a coaching shake-up at West Virginia. Originally committed to the Mountaineers, Hawthorne reopened his recruitment when head coach Darian DeVries left for Indiana following the departure of Mike Woodson. Now, he’s one of the most sought-after late additions in the 2024-25 cycle—and Duke Recruiting is right in the mix.
How Hawthorne Hit the Market
When DeVries was announced as Indiana’s new head coach, it set off an instant ripple effect. Hawthorne, who had committed to play under him at West Virginia, decided to back out of his pledge and explore other opportunities. His decision immediately caught the attention of high-major programs still looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Programs like Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Indiana, and most notably, Duke, have all jumped at the chance to land the versatile forward. While Indiana hopes to bring him back into the fold now that DeVries has moved there, the competition is stiff—and it’s about to reach a critical point.
Connections That Matter
What makes this recruitment even more interesting is how many coaches involved already have personal ties to Hawthorne.
One key figure is Chester Frazier, who was on staff at West Virginia and played a major role in Hawthorne’s initial recruitment. Frazier recently moved to Virginia Tech, and he’s back in the mix trying to bring the young talent with him to Blacksburg. Given their prior relationship, the Hokies may have a slight edge, or at least more insight into what makes Hawthorne tick.
But no one should count out Duke Recruiting, especially under head coach Jon Scheyer, who has made a habit of landing late commitments and flipping highly coveted prospects.
Hawthorne’s Visits
So far, Hawthorne has already made a visit to Kentucky, and by all accounts, the Wildcats made a strong impression. Kentucky, under new leadership and with plenty of NIL resources at their disposal, is always a player for top-tier talent. However, all eyes are on Hawthorne’s upcoming visit to Duke, scheduled for this weekend.
This visit could be the turning point.
Duke offers a unique blend of elite academics, national exposure, and a proven pathway to the NBA. With a young core already in place and some roster spots opening up, Hawthorne could potentially step into a meaningful role right away.
Why Duke Makes Sense
From a basketball perspective, Duke is a perfect fit for Braydon Hawthorne.
Standing at 6’7” with a smooth jumper and the athleticism to guard multiple positions, he brings versatility that Scheyer values. His ability to stretch the floor, play in transition, and defend both wings and forwards would complement Duke’s current roster makeup. With several key departures expected after this season, Hawthorne could become part of the next wave of contributors in Durham.
Plus, under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke Recruiting has stayed aggressive and adaptive, bringing in a mix of elite freshmen and proven transfers to compete for championships. Hawthorne, a talented late-cycle pickup, would fit that blueprint perfectly.
What Happens Next?
With his Duke visit on the horizon and interest from several power programs, Braydon Hawthorne’s recruitment is entering the final stretch.
The decision likely won’t drag on too long. Given the timing and how far along rosters are for most programs, schools need commitments soon in order to solidify their lineups for the 2024-25 season. Hawthorne’s official visit to Duke may provide the clarity he needs to make his final call.
While Indiana and Virginia Tech are legitimate contenders thanks to staff familiarity, and Kentucky made a strong pitch, Duke is in a prime position to close. If Scheyer and his staff can sell the vision—and show how Hawthorne fits into their immediate and long-term plans—they may walk away with another significant win on the trail.
Final Thoughts: Is Duke the Favorite?
Duke Recruiting continues to thrive in this new era of college basketball, where transfers, late decommitments, and NIL play a huge role. If they can land Braydon Hawthorne, it would mark yet another impressive addition to a growing 2024-25 class.
The Blue Devils are known for elite-level recruiting, and while this year’s class may not feature a top-three consensus prospect like in years past, the staff has shown it can adjust, evaluate rising talent, and close when it counts.
As we wait for Hawthorne to make his decision, all eyes are on his Duke visit this weekend. If the program rolls out the red carpet and the vision clicks, don’t be surprised if the next big commitment in college basketball lands in Durham.
Duke fans—get ready. This one could be big.