Kentucky's Mark Pope needs Jasper Johnson, but Wildcats have competition from Alabama, UNC

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — A high school basketball prospect, Jasper Johnson, is nearing the end of his recruitment process and is expected to make a decision within the next month. Three prominent college basketball programs, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Alabama, are vying for his commitment. Johnson, who is ranked in the top 10 of the 2025 class, has strong connections to Kentucky, as his father was a former football star at the university. However, Johnson has also expressed a fondness for North Carolina and is intrigued by Alabama’s recent success under coach Nate Oats. The decision is expected to be a challenging one for Johnson, with all three schools being strong contenders.