Red, White, and Wildcat: Jasper Johnson Named to 2025 USA U19 Basketball Team Ahead of World Cup in Switzerland”
The stars are aligning for Jasper Johnson, and the basketball world is paying attention.
On the heels of an electric high school career and a gold medal-winning summer, Jasper Johnson has officially been named to the 2025 USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team. The announcement came Friday after a competitive training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where 12 of the nation’s most elite young prospects earned their place on the squad. Johnson, a dynamic 6-foot-4 combo guard and future Kentucky Wildcat, is now set to represent Team USA on the global stage at the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, scheduled for June 28 to July 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
This is more than just another milestone. It’s a powerful signal that Jasper Johnson isn’t just a rising star — he’s ready to shine among the world’s best.
From Kentucky to Switzerland: A Star on the Rise
Johnson’s journey to this international spotlight began in Versailles, Kentucky, at Woodford County High School. There, he showcased elite dual-sport talent as both a basketball standout and a high-level quarterback. He led the Yellowjackets to the KHSAA Sweet 16 semifinals in 2023 before pivoting his focus entirely to basketball.
Transferring to Overtime Elite for his senior season, Johnson exploded statistically, averaging 20.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game for Real Wild Energy. His all-around game and high IQ immediately caught the attention of scouts and college programs across the country. But Kentucky won the recruiting battle — and now, the Wildcats have an international champion in the making.
The Road to USA Basketball
Johnson is no stranger to wearing red, white, and blue. Last summer, he helped Team USA capture gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, making a strong impression on coaches and evaluators alike. More recently, he participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, where he played a key role in a thrilling 124-114 overtime win against the World Select Team.
Now, with another opportunity to compete against the world’s elite at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, Johnson joins a roster stacked with future college and NBA stars. The team includes:
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Mikel Brown Jr.
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AJ Dybantsa
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Caleb Holt
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Daniel Jacobsen
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JJ Mandaquit
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Morez Johnson Jr.
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Nik Khamenia
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Brandon McCoy Jr.
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Koa Peat
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Jordan Smith Jr.
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Tyran Stokes
The squad will be led by Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, assisted by Grant McCasland (Texas Tech) and Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame) — forming a coaching trio built to dominate international competition.
Group of Death? No Problem.
The United States has been drawn into Group D alongside international powerhouses Australia, France, and Cameroon. It’s arguably the tournament’s most competitive group, but Team USA brings an unmatched legacy to the floor. Since the event’s inception in 1979, the U.S. has claimed eight gold medals, most recently in 2021. The 2025 edition marks the 17th time the event will be held and promises fierce action from opening tip to championship night.
Why This Matters for Kentucky and NBA Fans
Jasper Johnson’s selection is not just a win for Team USA — it’s a massive boost for John Calipari’s successor at Kentucky. As the Wildcats look to reclaim dominance in college hoops, having a USA Basketball-caliber talent like Johnson instantly elevates expectations. His proven ability to lead, score, and facilitate against elite talent means Kentucky fans should expect him to make an immediate impact in the SEC.
And for NBA scouts? Switzerland will be must-watch territory. Johnson’s combination of length, playmaking, and poise under pressure continues to push his draft stock upward. If he delivers on the global stage, expect his name to rise sharply in the 2026 NBA Draft conversation.
Final Word: The Future Is Now
Jasper Johnson’s journey is the blueprint for the modern American basketball star — local roots, national dominance, and now, international exposure. As the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup approaches, one thing is clear: the USA isn’t just sending talent to Switzerland. They’re sending the future.
And Jasper Johnson is ready to lead the way.
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