The Houston Cougars received a commitment from Triston Hawthorne on Sept. 17, adding the South Jones High School forward to their 2027 recruiting class. Houston now has four four-star prospects in the group, and 247Sports ranks all four among the nation’s top 100 players. The site currently places the Cougars’ class first nationally.
Hawthorne, who is from Ellisville, Mississippi, stands 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 190 pounds. He is ranked Mississippi’s top player by 247Sports. The 247Sports Composite rates him No. 15 among power forwards and No. 80 overall in the 2027 class.
Houston was among three Power Four programs that offered Hawthorne, along with Ole Miss and Mississippi State. He visited Houston on Aug. 20, followed by visits to LSU on Sept. 5 and Harvard on Sept. 8. The report describes him as a player who can help near the basket offensively and defensively.
He averaged 10.8 rebounds, including 4.0 offensive rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per game. His 7-foot-2 wingspan and athleticism contribute to his rebounding and defense. Hawthorne is less developed offensively, but has produced near the rim and from the dunker’s spot.
He takes most of his attempts in the paint and makes about 60% of his free throws. Houston’s class also includes center Derek Daniels and guards Oneal Delancy and Darrell Davis. The report was written by Maanav Gupta for si.com.
