Mark Pope admits he’s in a tough spot with freshman Braydon Hawthorne, a player with arguably the highest ceiling on the team and tools that compare to former Kentucky great Tayshaun Prince. On one hand, the 6’8″ rookie out of West Virginia boasts a 7’2.5″ wingspan and a 9’1.5″ standing reach, numbers reflecting a big more so than a versatile, skilled, athletic wing.
“This kid, I don’t know how soon it’s going to happen, but I think this kid has a chance to be special,” Pope said in August.