Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Jasper Johnson has been named to the 15-player final roster for the USA Men’s U19 National Basketball Team, bringing him within reach of representing the country at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, from June 28 through July 6. The announcement came on June 19, following an intense evaluation process at the USA Basketball training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Johnson earned his spot among some of the most highly regarded young basketball talent in the nation. The list of finalists includes prominent names such as Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Tyran Stokes, and Koa Peat—each a potential future star. The final roster of 12 will be selected by June 21 and will represent the U.S. on the international stage.
Johnson’s selection underscores his rapid development and growing reputation as one of the most promising guards in the college game. He was among 33 players originally invited to the training camp and survived multiple rounds of cuts. His skill set, athleticism, and basketball IQ have drawn attention from both coaches and scouts, further solidifying his place in the elite circle of prospects. Johnson is part of a strong Kentucky recruiting class that is expected to make an immediate impact in the upcoming NCAA season.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who served as one of the court coaches during the training camp, was quick to praise Johnson’s performance. Pope called Johnson’s display “jaw-dropping,” highlighting the guard’s competitiveness and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure settings. Pope’s involvement gave him a front-row seat to observe not only Johnson but also fellow Kentucky recruit Malachi Moreno, who had to withdraw from the team due to a minor injury.
Johnson, who hails from Lexington, Kentucky, has had a notable pre-college career. He played at Woodford County High School and later transferred to Link Academy before joining Overtime Elite in Atlanta. His performances in the Nike Hoop Summit, Jordan Brand Classic, and Iverson Classic, as well as his role in helping Team USA win gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, have built him a strong résumé on the youth international stage.
The U19 National Team, led by head coach Tommy Lloyd of the University of Arizona, along with assistants Grant McCasland of Texas Tech and Micah Shrewsberry of Notre Dame, faces a challenging task ahead. The group is tasked with molding individual talents into a cohesive unit capable of defending the USA’s strong legacy in this competition. The U.S. has won the FIBA U19 World Cup eight times and aims to reclaim the title after a third-place finish in the 2023 edition.
The American squad has been placed in Group D for the tournament and will face tough opponents including Australia, France, and Cameroon in the group stage. Each of these teams brings a unique style and roster of talent that will test the USA’s depth and adaptability.
For Johnson, making the final 12-man roster would be a significant milestone and an opportunity to further elevate his profile before he even plays a game in a Kentucky uniform. His ability to contribute at the international level could provide invaluable experience that will serve him and the Wildcats well during the college season. Kentucky fans are hopeful that Johnson’s trajectory continues upward and that his performance in Switzerland—should he make the team—sets the tone for a breakout freshman year.
As the June 21 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the final roster announcement. Regardless of the outcome, Johnson’s presence among the final 15 represents a testament to his talent and the strength of Kentucky’s recruiting efforts under Coach Pope. It also reflects the broader influence of the program on USA Basketball’s youth pipeline, reaffirming the school’s status as a premier destination for elite-level prospects.
The final decision will reveal which 12 players earn the honor of representing the United States on the global stage, but for Jasper Johnson, this shortlist placement already signals a bright future and a name to watch as the college basketball season approaches.