University of Kentucky fans have high hopes for Jasper Johnson as their next big star for the upcoming season. The 6’4″ guard is currently competing in the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup as part of the U.S. team and is showing that the Wildcats’ excitement is not unjustified.
Jasper Johnson’s Moves Draw Ultimate NBA Comparisons
A video circulating on social media shows Johnson making a spectacular play, ending with a successful perimeter shot. The play took place in the United States’ opening game at the U19 World Cup, in which they defeated Australia 88–73.
Jasper Johnson out here looking like James Harden.
I don’t think Mark Pope was kidding when he said he believes Jasper could be the best freshman scorer in College Basketball.
Instills confidence in his players.
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) June 28, 2025
Most fans were very impressed by Johnson’s skills on this play. Many found similarities to Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden.
Is that Jasper Johnson or James Harden?
— Patrick Gordon (@JPgordo502) June 28, 2025
Others saw in him glimpses of the quality demonstrated by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rob Dillingham.
He legit has some Dillingham in him
— M Jordan Williams (@drycestudios) June 28, 2025
The most daring see both Harden and Dillingham in the future Kentucky player.
James Harden and Rob Dillingham had a child 😭
— Bob The One (@Bobgoated1) June 28, 2025
Johnson played just over 15 minutes against Australia in the U19 World Cup, scoring just six points. The three-pointer featured in the video is the only one he made of his four attempts. He added an assist and a steal.
The best player of the game for the United States was BYU commit AJ Dybantsa, who scored 18 points, shooting 50% from two-point range and 80% from the free throw line. His biggest weakness was from beyond the arc, missing all four of his attempts.
Arizona commit Koa Peat was the other mainstay for the U.S. team, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists. He shot 54% from two-point range and 74% from the free throw line.
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Besides Peat, only the University of Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. (10 points, 10 rebounds) recorded a double-double. University of Illinois commit Christopher Brown was the only other U.S. player to score in double figures (10 points).
The US team struggled with three-point shooting, scoring only four of 23 attempts (17.4%). They made up for it with two-point shooting (22 of 49, 44.9%) and, mainly, with free throws (32 of 41, 78.1%).
For Australia, the top player was UConn commit Jacob Furphy, who scored 24 points and shot 70% from two-point range.
