Jasper Johnson Arrives at Kentucky, Wears No. 2 and Declares

Jasper Johnson Arrives at Kentucky, Wears No. 2 and Declares: “Ready to Bring in No. 9!”

Wildcat Move-In Day Sees Lexington Star Join Forces with In-State Trio as New Era Begins in Lexington

The journey has officially begun for Jasper Johnson and the message is crystal clear: he’s here to win.

On a warm June afternoon in Lexington, the five-star hometown hero made his way to the Wildcat Coal Lodge, completing the short but symbolic drive to begin his college career with the Kentucky Wildcats. Sporting a beaming smile and loaded with excitement, Johnson wasted no time introducing himself to Big Blue Nation in a video shared shortly after arrival.

“What’s up, BBN? Jasper here, ready to get moved in,” he said. “Ready to get to work, ready to bring in No. 9. Let’s do it.”

That’s championship No. 9 he’s talking about  a goal Kentucky fans haven’t stopped dreaming of for over a decade. And Johnson, now officially wearing jersey No. 2, is setting the tone early as a face of Mark Pope’s first full recruiting class in Lexington.

He wasn’t alone on move-in day. Johnson joined fellow in-state newcomers Malachi Moreno (No. 24) and Reece Potter, forming a Kentucky-grown trio that many believe could form the heart of the program’s future. Braydon Hawthorne (No. 22) also arrived Thursday, following earlier arrivals from Jayden Quaintance, Denzel Aberdeen (No. 1), and Jaland Lowe. In total, eight of the Wildcats’ ten newcomers have now arrived on campus, with only Mouhamed Dioubate and Andrija Jelavic still to come.

But it was Johnson who turned heads with a first look at his personalized locker at the Joe Craft Center, revealing his No. 2 jersey a number that already feels destined for highlight reels.

And perhaps even more notable was who greeted him at the door: longtime friend and fellow Kentucky native Malachi Moreno, signaling a bond that will carry over from AAU days to the SEC spotlight.

The Hometown Hope

Johnson isn’t just another recruit. He’s a symbol of Kentucky’s renewed focus on keeping elite local talent at home. Raised just miles from Rupp Arena, he arrives as one of the most highly anticipated freshman guards in the country and with head coach Mark Pope placing sky-high expectations on his shoulders.

“I think Jasper Johnson is a superstar,” Pope said in his offseason press conference. “I expect him to come in here and be great… He’s got a really, really incredible skill set. He’s one of those guys… poised, unflappable, a big shot maker.”

Pope made it clear: Kentucky doesn’t just want Johnson to contribute. They need him to lead.

“He needs to come here and be great, and that’s what he wants to do. That’s what we want from him,” Pope added.

And if move-in day is any indication, Johnson is embracing that challenge with open arms and a steady focus.

“Ky Til I Die”

With his locker revealed, number chosen, and the Kentucky blue freshly hung up, Johnson added one final message for the fans: “Ky Til I Die.” Three words that feel less like a tagline and more like a promise.

As Kentucky prepares to launch a new era under Pope’s leadership, Johnson’s arrival  alongside a loaded class of freshmen and key returning veterans  sets the stage for a thrilling summer of workouts, bonding, and preparation for what could be a special run.

The journey to No. 9 starts here.

Kentucky Basketball Newcomers on Campus (So Far):

• Jayden Quaintance
• Denzel Aberdeen – No. 1
• Jaland Lowe
• Malachi Moreno – No. 24
• Reece Potter
• Braydon Hawthorne – No. 22
• Kam Williams
• Jasper Johnson – No. 2

Still to arrive: Mouhamed Dioubate, Andrija Jelavic

Returning: Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, Trent Noah

Big Blue Nation, your future is moving in  and it’s wearing No. 2.