Braydon Hawthorne Pens Emotional Plea to Otega Oweh: ‘You Have Greatly Inspired Me. I Want to Play With You. Please, Stay!’
In a heartfelt and emotionally charged message that quickly caught the attention of Kentucky basketball fans, rising four-star recruit Braydon Hawthorne made a passionate plea to Kentucky star Otega Oweh to remain with the Wildcats for another season. The 6-foot-7 small forward, who recently committed to Kentucky as part of the next wave of Wildcats talent, didn’t hold back in expressing how much Oweh’s game, presence, and leadership have meant to him.
“You have greatly inspired me,” Hawthorne wrote in a public message posted on social media. “I want to play with you. Please, stay!”
For a fanbase that’s seen its fair share of early exits and one-and-done talents, Hawthorne’s message struck a different chord. It wasn’t about wins or stats. It wasn’t about building a super team. It was about something deeper: the value of mentorship, the power of staying, and the bond forming between a rising star and an established one.
The Rising Star Looks Up
Braydon Hawthorne has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class. With his dynamic athleticism, strong defensive instincts, and a maturing offensive game, the 17-year-old has earned comparisons to versatile NBA wings and is seen as a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ future. But even rising stars have role models—and for Hawthorne, that player is Otega Oweh.
Oweh, who transferred to Kentucky and made an immediate impact, quickly won over fans and teammates with his fierce competitiveness, elite two-way play, and high basketball IQ. A gritty guard with an NBA-ready frame, Oweh was instrumental in Kentucky’s 2024 campaign, often guarding the opposing team’s best player while also contributing key buckets in crunch time.
“He plays with heart. He plays with passion. That’s the kind of teammate I want next to me,” Hawthorne said in an interview shortly after posting the message. “I’ve watched him lead. I’ve watched how he carries himself. That’s someone I can learn from.”
A Call That Resonates
The emotional message wasn’t just a private plea; it became a viral moment, echoing through Wildcat Nation and beyond. Fans flooded the post with support, praising Hawthorne’s maturity and passion.
“This young man has the heart of a Wildcat already,” one fan commented. “Not afraid to speak up, and showing respect to a leader—this is what Kentucky basketball is about.”
Another added, “This is how you build a culture. You don’t just recruit talent—you recruit character.”
Many fans took the message as more than just a recruiting storyline. For them, it symbolized a return to something that’s been missing: a sense of brotherhood, of players wanting to grow together and stay longer than the now-customary one season.
“Otega staying would be a win for all of us,” one longtime supporter tweeted. “And for a young player to recognize that and speak on it? That’s elite mentality.”
Oweh’s Decision Looms
While Oweh has yet to announce whether he’ll declare for the NBA Draft or return for another season, the decision looms large. Many believe he has the potential to be a second-round pick or carve out a solid role in the G League. However, a return to Kentucky could boost his stock even further and allow him to take on a bigger leadership role.
Hawthorne’s message may not make the decision for him, but it certainly adds an emotional layer. It’s not every day a young recruit steps up publicly to ask a veteran to stay—not out of fear or dependency, but out of respect and desire to learn.
“Whatever he decides, I’ll support him,” Hawthorne said. “But I had to let him know what he means to me. I want to wear that jersey with him, even if it’s just for one season.”
The Bigger Picture: Culture Over Chaos
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has spoken openly about building a sustainable winning culture at Kentucky—a place where players develop, connect, and buy into something bigger than themselves. Hawthorne’s message might just be the first public spark of that vision becoming reality.
Analysts noted that this kind of gesture shows a shift from a purely transactional model of college basketball to one centered around relationships.
“You want to know what kind of player Braydon Hawthorne is?” ESPN’s Paul Biancardi said. “Look at that message. That’s leadership before he’s even stepped foot on campus. That’s what coaches dream of.”
Final Word
As fans wait for Oweh’s decision, Hawthorne’s heartfelt message remains a powerful reminder of what college basketball can still be: a space for mentorship, growth, and lasting connection.
“I just wanted him to know,” Hawthorne said. “He inspired me. And if I’m lucky, I’ll get the chance to return the favor on the court.”
Whether Oweh stays or goes, one thing is clear: Braydon Hawthorne isn’t just bringing talent to Kentucky—he’s bringing heart.
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