By CHARLIE PARENT
NEW YORK — Jasper Johnson, the No. 10 player in the class of 2025, has seen his recruitment heat up over the past few months.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Link Academy (MO.) dropped 9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 16 minutes in a blowout 89-55 win over Penn Charter (PA.) at Saturday’s Jordan Brand Classic via MadeHoops.
“His biggest strength is that he’s one of the best shooters in the country,” Link head coach Billy Armstrong told ZAGSBLOG postgame. “If he’s open, he’s going to make it and that’s just such a weapon.”
Johnson recapped his four recent visits to ZAGSBLOG:
Kentucky: “It’s going good; they’re reaching out to me every day. Me and Coach [Orlando] Antigua and Coach [John] Calipari talk a lot. I’m trying to get back for an official visit sometime, but for now, I’m just keeping in contact with them.”
His father, Dennis Johnson, played defensive end for Kentucky football.
Missouri: Coach [Dennis] Gates has been recruiting me for probably two years now. Aaron [Rowe] and T.O. [Barret], two of my teammates, are going there, so definitely keeping that relationship going.”
Georgia Tech: “Coach [Damon] Stoudamire has been telling me they’re trying to bring a new wave to the program. Him trying to build around me gives me a vision for sure”
West Virginia: “Coach [Jordan] McCabe reaches out to me. They’re having a little shaky season because it’s their first year, but I feel like they’ll bounce back for sure. I’m definitely keeping in contact.”
Rumors have circled over the past few weeks about Johnson reclassifying to 2024, but the young guard alluded to staying put for now.
“It’s always an option, but I’ll probably stay in the class of 2025 just to give my body an extra year before college,” he said. “A couple of different schools would love me in either 2024 or 2025, but it’s my decision, and I’m just going to be patient.”
Other than his shooting, Coach Armstrong has been pleased with Johnson’s development into a complete guard.
“He has the ability to score, but what Jasper’s really improved on is doing other things,” Armstrong said. “He’s got length and great instincts, and he’s learning to be a two-way guy as well. He’s got the ability to play point guard and be a primary ball handler at the next level.”
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