“It shows a lot” - 5-star guard Jasper Johnson left impressed by Kentucky HC Mark Pope’s recruitment efforts

Kentucky Wildcats' new head coach Mark Pope has made it clear that recruiting Jasper Johnson is his top priority. Johnson, a five-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, recently made an unofficial trip to Kentucky on Tuesday.

His visit to the college allowed him to connect with coach Pope and his team. The young guard was impressed by Pope's dedication to putting him first and his recruitment strategy (as per On3.com).

"I mean, I’ve talked to all of the coaches there. Each one has reached out to me, they’ve texted or called me individually," Johnson said.

"Coach Pope is really putting in the effort to recruit me himself. He calls and FaceTimes me a lot. He actually came to Argentina to watch the games and see me play, so to see him putting in that effort, it really means a lot. It shows a lot."

Jasper Johnson has been on the Wildcats' radar for a while now, going back to when John Calipari was coaching. He also visited Kentucky in February, although Pope was not part of the team at that point

Johnson is undoubtedly a top target for Pope but UK is not the sole contender for the top prospect. Other schools like Alabama, North Carolina, Auburn, Illinois, Baylor, Louisville, and Arkansas are also actively pursuing him.

He plans to return to Kentucky alongside a fellow in-state star Malachi Moreno on Thursday. He will then visit Alabama this weekend and Illinois on Monday.

Jasper Johnson's Kentucky ties date way back

Link Academy star Jasper Johnson is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. This is one of many reasons the Wildcats are confident that he will commit to the UK. It is the local talent and securing him would represent a significant victory for the team.

Besides, Johnson has familial ties to Kentucky. His father, Dennis Johnson, and uncle, Derrick, were both football players for the University of Kentucky. Additionally, his late grandfather, Alvis Johnson, served as an assistant athletics director in Lexington.

"Early on in the year, it was difficult for me. My dad, he's been there for me my whole life. He's someone to talk to, work out with and just do everything," Johnson said. "Being far away from him was kinda hard because I didn't have the influence of someone that's close to me that I talk to that will help me get through it."

The 6-foot-4 athlete played 20 games for the Link Academy Lions in the 2023-24 high school circuit, averaging 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.