Mark Pope, Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno Set to Represent Kentucky

Mark Pope, Jasper Johnson, and Malachi Moreno Set to Represent Kentucky at USA Basketball U19 Training Camp

The red, white, and blue are calling and the Kentucky Wildcats are answering.

Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope and incoming freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno have been selected to participate in the 2025 USA Basketball U19 National Team training camp, which tips off on June 14 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

While Johnson and Moreno will be competing for a coveted spot on the 12-man roster that will represent Team USA at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, Pope will be stepping into his first official role with USA Basketball as an on-court court coach a significant milestone in his already impressive coaching ascent.

Rising Stars with Global Aspirations

For Jasper Johnson, this isn’t his first rodeo. The dynamic 6-foot-4 combo guard is fresh off a gold medal run at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and has long been one of the most electric backcourt prospects in the nation. As a senior with Real Wild Energy in the Overtime Elite League, Johnson lit up the scoreboard to the tune of 20.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, showcasing a polished offensive game and confident leadership.

A Kentucky native, Johnson’s journey began at Woodford County High School, where he not only led his team to the KHSAA Sweet 16 semifinals in 2023 but also starred as a quarterback on the football field. His athleticism and versatility have continued to shine on the EYBL circuit with Team Thad, where he turned heads at Peach Jam by averaging 19.8 points per game.

Johnson’s sharpshooting was on full display in Argentina last summer, as he led Team USA in 3-point percentage at the U18 AmeriCup, drilling 42.3% from beyond the arc. He also contributed to Team USA’s Nike Hoop Summit win earlier this spring.

Moreno: The Towering Kentucky Champion

Joining him at training camp is Malachi Moreno, Kentucky’s homegrown 7-footer who dominated the high school scene and earned Mr. Kentucky Basketball honors after a historic senior season at Great Crossing High School. Averaging 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game, Moreno capped his season with a monster 24-point, 15-rebound, 3-block performance in the state championship game.

A consensus top-25 recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Moreno is already known nationally for his presence in the paint and defensive prowess. He posted a double-double in all three games of the 2024 state tournament and continued to raise his profile with a strong showing at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he teamed with Johnson to help lift Team USA past the World Select Team.

This will be Moreno’s second time at a U19 training camp, and expectations are high that he’ll make a serious push for the final roster.

Pope’s Coaching Stock Continues to Rise

For Mark Pope, this opportunity adds another highlight to an already unforgettable debut season at his alma mater. After taking over Kentucky basketball in 2024, Pope led the Wildcats to a 24-12 record, including an NCAA-record eight wins over AP Top 15 teams five of which came against Top 10 opponents.

From rallying his team from a 16-point halftime deficit against No. 7 Gonzaga to knocking off No. 6 Florida and reaching the Sweet 16, Pope’s first season was full of history-making moments. His Wildcats set a school record with 341 made 3-pointers, ranked top 10 in KenPom offensive efficiency, and became the first team in over 20 years to reach the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend with zero returning points from the previous season.

Now, Pope brings that same energy and innovation to USA Basketball, joining Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, who will serve as the U19 team’s head coach, along with other court coaches helping prepare the roster for international play.

What’s Next

The training camp begins June 14 in Colorado Springs, with roster finalists announced June 16. The final 12-man squad will be named by June 21, and the team will compete at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland from June 28–July 6.

As Pope continues to build Kentucky back into a national powerhouse, he’ll do so with two of his brightest newcomers getting a taste of international experience. And with the world watching, Johnson, Moreno, and Pope are ready to put Big Blue Nation on the global stage.