Under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, the Kentucky Wildcats have made significant strides in the 2025 recruiting landscape by securing commitments from top-tier prospects: five-star guard Jasper Johnson, four-star center Malachi Moreno, and four-star point guard Acaden Lewis.

 

**Jasper Johnson**

 

A Lexington native and five-star guard, Jasper Johnson announced his commitment to Kentucky on September 5, 2024, at Woodford County High School. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 175 pounds, Johnson is celebrated for his dynamic scoring ability and versatility on the court. He chose Kentucky over prominent programs such as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisville, and North Carolina, emphasizing his deep-rooted connection to the state: “I’m KY ’til I die.”

 

Johnson’s commitment is particularly noteworthy given his family’s legacy; his father, Dennis Johnson, was a standout football player at Kentucky. Jasper’s decision reflects both personal ties and confidence in Coach Pope’s vision for the program. He officially signed his National Letter of Intent during an Overtime Elite event in Atlanta, further solidifying his place in Kentucky’s future backcourt.

 

**Malachi Moreno**

 

Joining Johnson is four-star center Malachi Moreno from Great Crossing High School. Standing at 6-foot-11, Moreno is regarded as one of the premier centers in his class. He committed to Kentucky on August 16, 2024, becoming Coach Pope’s first commitment for the 2025 class. Moreno’s skill set includes exceptional passing, mobility, and defensive prowess, with Coach Pope lauding him as “probably the best center in all of high school basketball.”

 

Moreno’s commitment underscores Kentucky’s focus on building a formidable frontcourt. His versatility and physicality are expected to make an immediate impact upon his arrival in Lexington. He officially signed his National Letter of Intent at Great Crossing High School, expressing his long-held dream of joining the Wildcats.

 

**Acaden Lewis**

 

Further enhancing Kentucky’s recruiting success is the commitment of four-star point guard Acaden Lewis from Washington, D.C. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, Lewis is known for his playmaking, scoring, and defensive abilities. He chose Kentucky over programs like Duke and UConn, marking a significant addition to the Wildcats’ backcourt alongside Jasper Johnson.

 

Lewis’ commitment reflects Coach Pope’s dedication to assembling a dynamic and balanced roster. His rise in rankings, highlighted by standout performances at the NBPA Top 100 camp, positions him as a key contributor for Kentucky’s future endeavors. His official signing is anticipated during the early signing period, further solidifying Kentucky’s impressive 2025 class.

 

**Impact on Kentucky’s Recruiting Landscape**

 

Coach Mark Pope’s swift and strategic recruiting efforts have revitalized Kentucky’s presence on the national stage. Securing commitments from Johnson, Moreno, and Lewis not only addresses key positional needs but also signals a new era of success and competitiveness for the Wildcats. These commitments have propelled Kentucky near the top of the team recruiting rankings for the 2025 class, reflecting the program’s renewed vigor and strategic direction.

 

As the Wildcats continue to build their roster, the addition of these top-ranked prospects showcases Coach Pope’s ability to attract elite talent and his commitment to restoring Kentucky’s prominence in college basketball.