UK Signee Jasper Johnson Wanted to Put on a Show and Did

Kentucky signee Jasper Johnson with his parents, brother and grandmother after Sunday's game.

Kentucky signee Jasper Johnson put on a show not only for a sold out Woodford County crowd Sunday night in Versailles but also for Kentucky coach Mark Pope.

Pope and his wife, Lee Anne, along with UK signee Malachi Moreno of Great Crossing and UK freshman Travis Perry were at the new Woodford County High School gym Sunday to watch the Court XIV Classic honoring the memory of Alvis Johnson, Jasper’s grandfather.

Jasper Johnson had 31 points for Overtime Elite’s RWE in a 71-70 exhibition win over Huntington Prep and was named the game’s MVP — perhaps the easiest and most obvious game MVP ever.

Pope and his wife came less than 24 hours after his Cats lost a huge game to Arkansas and former UK coach John Calipari, who recruited Johnson before he left UK. Johnson said it was “great” to see his future coach at the game but it did not surprise him.

“I know they took a tough loss the other night. But he still comes out to support me and watch me play a game. Love Coach Pope. Can’t wait to play for him next season,” Johnson said.

If that wasn’t enough, Lee Anne Pope made a hefty purchase of Jasper Johnson swag that Kentucky Branded had at the game and should be available online soon. She also applauded every move that he made in the game

Johnson was in Rupp Arena for the Arkansas game along with Moreno and RWE teammate Tay Kinney, a junior from Newport who scored 13 points in Sunday’s win.

“Everything you could have imagined,” Johnson said about attending the UK game. “Growing up in Lexington and going to games, I just can’t wait until I’m out there and get to play next year. Just looking forward to it and can’t wait to play for coach Pope next year. He told me to have fun and enjoy this night, so I tried my best to do that.”

Johnson put on a show from pregame to dunks to knocking down 3-point shots during the game to leading the fast break to being vocal on the court to be swarmed by fans after the game ended wanting photos and/or autographs.

Johnson, a five-star recruit and top 20 national player, enjoyed the fan interaction after the game  because he could remember not that long ago when he was growing up and looking up to Kentucky players.

“It’s great to be able to play in front of the fans here, put on a show for them and then sign some autographs. It is great to be able to give back and maybe help someone,” Johnson said.

Johnson played in a similar game at Woodford last season when he was with Link Academy and was being recruited by Kentucky,  North Carolina and many others. He had 37 points in that game with then UK coach Calipari watching.

Johnson knew there were a “lot of eyes” on him after his commitment to Kentucky and that this likely was his final game in Versailles (he played two years at Woodford, including 2023 when he helped Woodford get to the state tourney semifinals, before going to Link and now Overtime Elite).

“I have to be a lot better, play at a high level now all the time,” Johnson said. ‘But it was fun to come back, get a win and help honor my grandfather who meant so much to me.”