4-star PF Triston Hawthorne commits to Houston

Four-star power forward Triston Hawthorne has committed to Houston , he told Rivals.

The 6-foot-7 senior out of South Jones High School (MS) chose the Cougars over Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Harvard.

Jones, a native of Ellisville, Mississippi, is ranked as the No. 85 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 11 ranked power forward, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking , an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).

Triston Hawthorne discussed his commitment to Houston with Rivals.

"I chose Houston because of the communication and transparency," he said. "I built a strong relationship with the coaching staff, and I really believe in their plan for my development. They showed me how I fit into their system and how they can help me take my game to another level. My family and I looked at everything; academics, basketball, development, and Houston felt like the place where I could grow as a student, a player, and a person. It felt like home."

His relationship with the coaching staff

"My relationship with the coaching staff is really strong," Hawthorne said. "Early in this process, I knew that I wanted more than an offer, I wanted to be recruited. From the beginning, Houston has been consistent with me and my family, and I never felt like they were just recruiting me as a player. They took the time to get to know me as a person. I feel like I can trust them, be coached hard by them, and have honest conversations with them. That relationship played a big part in my decision."

What Houston is getting in him as a player

"I'd describe myself as a player who plays with a lot of energy and toughness," he said. "I take pride in defending, rebounding, and doing whatever my team needs. I'm continuing to develop my overall game. I don't just want to put up numbers. I want to impact the game."

"To the Houston fans, I'm ready to work! I can't wait to get to there, put that jersey on, and get to work. You're getting somebody who's going to compete every day and represent Houston the right way on and off the court. I'm coming ready to be coached and do whatever it takes to help us win."

Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw provided the following scouting report on Triston Hawthorne:

Triston Hawthorne is still raw, but what he brings to the table is unique. His natural defensive abilities are simply off the charts. And while his offensive game is still a work-in-progress, he could be the best defensive forward in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Listed at 6-foot-7, Hawthorne has long arms and is an advanced mover. He can slide his feet, turn his hips at pace, and slide down to guard on the block. He has shot-block timing with both hands and is capable of protecting the rim in man-to-man or help-side situations. The uniquely talented forward averaged 10.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocked shots on this summer's Puma Pro16 Circuit. Hawthorne has truly unique upside on the defensive end of the floor.