Jayden Quaintance has played one game back and he already sounds like somebody who remembers what Kentucky basketball is supposed to feel like.
Not just the noise. Not just the win. The belief.
After Kentucky’s 78-66 win over St. John’s, Quaintance hit three themes that explain why the mood flipped so fast: his relationship with Jasper Johnson, the way that win refueled the locker room, and the crowd in Atlanta that made it feel like Rupp had taken a field trip.
The two former EYBL teammates are pushing Kentucky basketball to chase banner No. 9
Quaintance didn’t tiptoe around it. He said he’s known Jasper Johnson since their EYBL days, and that Johnson was a real reason he committed.
Jayden Quaintance on his relationship with Jasper Johnson, who was a big reason why he came to Kentucky, and has helped him in his return:
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) December 22, 2025
"I’ve known him for a while, since EYBL. He was a large part of recruiting me to come here. He was DM’ing me, telling me about coming here… pic.twitter.com/2kc3qnfoYR
He talked about Johnson DM’ing him after he committed, pushing him toward Kentucky, and then doing the little things that matter when you’re coming back, walking him through sets, making sure he knows what’s coming, helping him play free instead of thinking.
That part is important because Kentucky fans have been begging to see the program feel connected again. Players recruiting players. Young guys pulling in the same direction. Quaintance basically handed you a behind-the-scenes look at that dynamic.
Jayden Quaintance is sending a 'reminder' about Kentucky basketball being back
Quaintance didn’t call the St. John’s win a "nice one." He called it a reminder.
He said Kentucky still believes it’s a national-title caliber team, still "going for number nine," and still "coming for everything." That’s not a guarantee. That’s a mindset, the difference between a team that flinches after a rough stretch and a team that treats adversity like a dare.
And the game backed up the emotion. Kentucky outscored St. John’s 53-34 in the second half, which is what happens when a team stops hoping and starts imposing. Quaintance also made his return count with 10 points and eight rebounds, which is exactly the kind of "welcome back" that changes how a team carries itself.
The Catlanta effect
Quaintance admitted the crowd was loud. Like, really loud.
He said it felt like a home game and mentioned the "JQ" chants specifically. That detail matters because confidence isn’t just shots falling, it’s belonging. It’s feeling like the fanbase has been waiting on you and is ready to ride with you the moment you step back on the floor.
Kentucky still has things to clean up. But Quaintance didn’t sound like someone easing into the season. He sounded like someone ready to grab it.