Jasper Johnson aims for glory with Team USA at FIBA U19 World Cup

USA Today

7 hours ago

Jasper Johnson isn't being talked about at all on a national stage and he may be Kentucky's most talented player pic.twitter.com/8TZp9z1svF
As the sun rises over Lausanne, Switzerland, excitement is palpable among basketball enthusiasts. Kentucky freshman guard Jasper Johnson is on a mission to help Team USA achieve an impressive 3-0 sweep in the FIBA U19 World Cup. The stakes are high as the young athletes gear up for their final group stage game against Cameroon, following two dominant victories that have showcased their talent and teamwork.
Team USA opened pool play this past Saturday with a resounding 88-73 win over Australia, setting the tone for what would become a thrilling tournament run. They carried that momentum into Sunday's matchup against France, where they steamrolled to a staggering 108-77 victory. Now standing unscathed at 2-0, Team USA is poised to continue their winning streak on Tuesday.
Jasper Johnson has already made his mark in international competition, earning a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U19 AmeriCup last summer. Earlier this Spring, he showcased his skills as part of the USA Men's Nike Hoop Summit Team that triumphed over the World Select team. Standing tall at 6-foot-4, this versatile combo guard from Kentucky has quickly become an integral part of Team USA's strategy.
In his first two games of the tournament, Johnson logged valuable minutes on the court—spending 19 minutes in action, during which he contributed four points, two assists, one rebound, and one steal. His scoring came primarily during fast breaks and transitions—a testament to his speed and agility. A highlight moment occurred when he executed a defensive steal that led to an assist on the other end of the court; it was a perfect example of how he can impact both ends of the floor.
Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope was on hand to see Johnson's performance while also continuing to scout potential recruits for future seasons. During training camp for Team USA, Pope served as an assistant coach and made it a point to support Johnson throughout this international journey.
There was plenty of Kentucky's 2026 prospects on display. Five-star guard Caleb Holt shone brightly in his debut with ten points and two assists in just 14 minutes of play. Meanwhile, fellow five-star recruit Jordan Smith Jr. added seven points along with three assists to bolster Team USA's offensive firepower. Forward Tryan Stokes also made contributions off the bench with five points and four rebounds—demonstrating depth within this talented roster.
As Team USA prepares for their pivotal matchup against Cameroon on Tuesday at 11:15 AM ET—streamable live via FIBA's YouTube Channel—the anticipation builds not only for another potential victory but also for more highlights featuring Jasper Johnson's electrifying playstyle.
The 17th edition of the FIBA U19 Men's World Cup runs through July 6th, promising more exciting basketball action ahead.
Stay tuned as we follow Jasper Johnson's journey—his relentless pursuit of excellence could very well lead him and Team USA to gold once again! Jasper Johnson rise could just be what the doctor ordered to help Kentucky get that championship. soon!