Kentucky basketball’s 2025 recruiting class—Malachi Moreno, Acaden Lewis, and Jasper Johnson—is lighting up the prep scene as they gear up for Mark Pope’s Wildcats next season. Signed in November, this trio ranks No. 5 nationally per 247Sports Composite, blending Moreno’s rim dominance, Lewis’ playmaking, and Johnson’s scoring flair. With Moreno’s McDonald’s All-American nod and Johnson’s Overtime Elite (OTE) heroics, Big Blue Nation’s buzzing—here’s how they’re faring in 2024-25.
Malachi Moreno: Double-Double Machine
Great Crossing’s 6-foot-11 center Malachi Moreno is a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 22.1 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game over 29 contests. His 27 double-doubles rank fifth nationally—think Oscar Tshiebwe with a smoother jumper. Moreno’s 3.3 assists per game triple the national average (1.0), showing playmaking chops rare for a big man. Against national foes, he’s a brick wall, dwarfing the 0.3 block average with his 3.8 swats.
Newsflash: Moreno’s the lone Kentucky signee named a 2025 McDonald’s All-American, set for April 1 in Brooklyn. His Warhawks (17-4 last check) are eyeing another Kentucky Sweet 16 run after last year’s semifinal trip. Coach Pope’s courtside visits—like February 3 at Woodford County—signal Moreno’s ready to anchor Kentucky’s paint in 2025-26.
Acaden Lewis: Battling Through Adversity
Sidwell Friends’ 6-foot-2 guard Acaden has a nagging ankle injury that has clouded his senior campaign. The four-star playmaker, known for picking Kentucky over Duke and UConn is fighting to stay healthy. Check out the self awareness of this young man:
my favorite excerpt from the story — acaden lewis opened up about his realizations from the sideline dealing with an ankle injury about his impact on his team's offense.
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) January 27, 2025
can't remember many high school athletes i've spoken to with this kind of self awareness and humility. https://t.co/k6qPbtcaXz pic.twitter.com/dRCRwXGFHH
Jasper Johnson: OTE’s Scoring Maestro
At Overtime Elite, 6-foot-4 guard Jasper Johnson—a five-star and Kentucky’s highest-ranked 2025 signee (No. 18 per 247Sports)—is torching nets with 20.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 5.8 APG across 20 games since November 1, 2024. His February 21 playoff clash against Fear of God Athletics saw him drop 19 points, snag 6 rebounds, and dish a record-breaking 14 assists—shattering OTE’s single-game mark. Johnson’s 49.7% field goal clip and 74.1% free-throw rate outpace peers, though his 36.3% from three (2.3 makes on 6.2 attempts) leaves room to grow.
Highlights? Johnson’s 33-point explosion (6-of-10 from three) against City Reapers on February 14 and a 10-assist gem against Diamond Doves on January 12 show his flair. Playing for RWE alongside 2026 prospect Taylen Kinney, he’s drawing Pope’s eye—evidenced by the coach’s February 3 visit to Woodford County. X chatter, like (February 15), raves, “Jasper’s a bucket—Kentucky’s backcourt is stacked!”
Big Picture: Ready for Rupp?
Kentucky’s 2025 class is a stat-stuffed trio with big news to match. Moreno’s double-double dominance and All-American shine anchor the frontcourt. Lewis, if his ankle heals, pairs playmaking with scoring punch. Johnson’s OTE versatility—1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and a knack for dunks—promises fireworks.
Pope’s still chasing power forward Nate Ament to round it out, per recent Lexington Herald Leader buzz, but this core’s already top-tier. With Moreno and Johnson bonding courtside and Lewis rehabbing, the Wildcats’ future looks electric—can they lift Kentucky back to SEC glory?