Jasper Johnson, a five-star guard in the 2025 class, committed to Kentucky in September last year, becoming one of the first major high school talents to pledge his future to Mark Pope’s new-look Wildcats. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Link Academy brings a polished offensive game that makes him one of the most anticipated freshmen in Kentucky’s 2025 class.
Recently appearing on BBN Tonight, Johnson opened up about his recruitment process and shared a funny, now-viral moment involving a missed FaceTime call from Coach Pope.
How Jasper Johnson First Heard from Mark Pope
During the interview, Johnson recalled when he first received a call from Pope, and he did not answer.
“That first FaceTime, I mean, I was looking at my phone,” Johnson said. “I think I was on my way to an AAU tournament somewhere. A look at my phone. Didn’t have the number saved, so didn’t answer, you know. I didn’t think too much about it. Then, he calls again. I don’t know whose number this is, so not gonna answer.”
Eventually, Pope made sure to get Johnson’s attention more traditionally.
“It takes me a long paragraph, and I called immediately,” Johnson added. “And he was in office, you know, moving all his stuff in, having a long day of travel and things like that. But ever since then, he’s been up and helping.”
Now preparing for his freshman season in Lexington, Johnson is focused on embracing his role and doing whatever it takes to help Kentucky win.
“A person who can do anything that my coach asked me to do,” he further said, describing his approach. He acknowledged the learning curve ahead but said he is ready to work hard and contribute from day one.
Excited about the team’s potential, Johnson said, “We have guys that can do everything… I’m just really excited to see how we can put this thing together.”
Spontaneous Phrase Became Jasper Johnson’s Kentucky Mantra
Johnson’s connection to Kentucky was sealed with four iconic words: “KY Till I Die.” During his commitment ceremony at Woodford County High, the five-star guard made the statement, and 247Sports quickly posted it on Instagram. Since then, the phrase has become his motto and a fan favorite.
Johnson explained the story behind it during the BBN Tonight appearance.
“It’s kinda crazy. I think it was like a week before I committed, I was in Atlanta, Coach Pope and his staff came down to talk to me,” he said.
“He was like, ‘Jasper, when you commit, you need to say something that really gets to the BBN fans and the community.’ I was thinking what I was gonna say but I didn’t really come up with anything. But when I wanted to commit, it just came from the heart, just naturally came out.”
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The phrase has stuck with him ever since. When he officially arrived in Lexington on June 5, Johnson posted a photo of his Kentucky locker on X with the caption: “Ky Til I Die 🏀🪣💙!!!”
Ky Til I Die 🏀🪣💙!!! pic.twitter.com/xAhpXoxWRH
— Jasper Johnson (@BruhJasperJ) June 5, 2025
He was one of several new additions that day, joining fellow five-star Malachi Moreno and Tulane transfer Kam Williams. Arizona State center Jayden Quaintance and Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen had arrived a day earlier, with the group set to begin summer workouts ahead of the 2025–26 season.
What began as a spontaneous phrase has now become a rallying cry — and a merchandise line — as Johnson fully embraces his new home in Lexington.
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