Mark Pope Calls Jasper Johnson a Future Star for Kentucky
As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the 2025–26 basketball season following a Sweet 16 run in Mark Pope’s first year as head coach, the focus is now on building a new and competitive roster. One of the most anticipated additions is five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson, a Lexington native from Woodford County High School, who signed with Kentucky in November.
Pope expressed strong confidence in Johnson’s talent and potential impact.
“I think Jasper Johnson is a superstar,” Pope said. “I expect him to come in and be great. Like any freshman, he’ll face a learning curve, but he has an incredible skill set. Very few players can create their own shot consistently — he’s one of them.”
Johnson is expected to contribute immediately in the tough Southeastern Conference.
Pope also highlighted another promising in-state recruit, Malachi Moreno.
“Every day, it feels like college and NBA scouts are becoming more impressed with him. He keeps improving. We’re really excited to have him on board.”
Both recruits reflect Pope’s strategy of investing in homegrown talent with high ceilings, aiming to elevate Kentucky’s presence in the upcoming season.
