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5-star prospect nearing the end of his recruitment with Kentucky still in the race

Kentucky basketball is actively pursuing 5-star Jasper Johnson and a decision will likely be coming in 'late August'.

By Alec Lasley

Jasper Johnson (2) stands on the court during an AAU basketball game July 5, 2023, at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. A Woodford County native, Johnson holds scholarship offers to play at Louisville and Kentucky and is considered one of the top guards in the Class of 2025.
Jasper Johnson (2) stands on the court during an AAU basketball game July 5, 2023, at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C. A Woodford County native, Johnson holds scholarship offers to play at Louisville and Kentucky and is considered one of the top guards in the Class of 2025. / Brooks Holton / USA TODAY NETWORK
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One of the biggest recruitments in the early Mark Pope era is nearing its end.

Five-star prospect Jasper Johnson is closing in on a college decision and he narrowed down his recruitment this week -- with Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisville and Arkansas as his final five schools.

Johnson also will be making a decision in 'late August'.

Johnson broke down Kentucky's messaging with 247Sports national analyst Travis Branham.

"Mark Pop gives me the good message of being the hometown kid," Johnson said. "He is consistent with me. He tells me what he wants me do and how I can fit his offense. He really wants to coach me and he wants to start his 2025 recruiting class with me. I met the staff and got to see them practice, so it was good. He likes to take 3s in the offense and he wants me to come in and score the ball."

Johnson is originally from Woodford County (Ky.) but transferred to national powerhouse program Link Academy (Mo.) last year and then announced last week that he would be heading to Overtime Elite (Ga.) for his final season.

Mark Pope has made Johnson a priority target since taking over three months ago. He showed that when he traveled to the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in Argentina earlier this month to watch Johnson in action. 

Johnson is ranked No. 10 in the 247Sports class of 2025 rankings and the No. 2 combo guard. The 6-foot-5 prospect is a dynamic scorer who can play on or off the ball. His athleticism allows him to play above the rim on either end of the floor and excel in transition or attacking the basket. 

Can Pope land a coveted five-star? Time will tell but these are the types of recruitments that he needs to be invovled in -- and eventually win.

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