The University of Kentucky basketball program is basking in the glow of a significant achievement as signees Acaden Lewis, Jasper Johnson (known as @BruhJasperJ), and Malachi Moreno have been named to the 2025 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year Watch List, announced on November 21, 2024. This prestigious recognition by the Atlanta Tipoff Club underscores the immense talent within Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, signaling a bright future for the Wildcats under head coach Mark Pope. Big Blue Nation is abuzz with excitement, with fans on X hailing the trio as the foundation of a potential dynasty, further amplified by the program’s recent momentum, including Tony Delk’s return to the staff and Rick Pitino’s historic $500 million donation.
Acaden Lewis, a 6’2” point guard from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., brings elite playmaking skills to the table. Ranked as high as No. 20 nationally by Rivals, Lewis committed to Kentucky in November 2024, drawn by Pope’s fast-paced system and personal recruitment efforts. His poise, vision, and ability to score from beyond the arc have earned him a spot on the watch list, with ESPN noting his potential to start early. Jasper Johnson, a 6’4” combo guard from Lexington, Kentucky, is a local star whose Overtime Elite stats—20.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game—highlight his scoring prowess. Ranked No. 18 by 247Sports Composite, Johnson’s ties to Kentucky athletics through his father, Dennis, a former UK football player, add a heartfelt dimension to his commitment. Malachi Moreno, a 6’11” center from Georgetown, Kentucky, rounds out the trio with his McDonald’s All-American status and recent Kentucky Mr. Basketball award. His dominance at Great Crossing High School, including a state championship, positions him as a potential first-round NBA Draft pick in 2026.
This recognition places Kentucky among the elite programs shaping the future of college basketball. The Naismith Trophy watch list, which includes 50 of the nation’s top high school talents, is a testament to the trio’s standout performances and potential to elevate the Wildcats’ roster. While Acaden Lewis recently decommitted in April 2025, reopening his recruitment, his inclusion on the list reflects his prior impact and Kentucky’s strong initial pull. Johnson and Moreno remain committed, forming a formidable core alongside transfers like Jayden Quaintance and Koby Brea. The program’s trajectory, boosted by Pitino’s donation for cutting-edge facilities, enhances its appeal to top prospects.
Fans on X have expressed a mix of pride and anticipation, with posts celebrating Moreno’s recent accolades and debating Lewis’s decommitment. This watch list nod amplifies Kentucky’s recruiting narrative, reinforcing Pope’s vision of blending local talent with national stars. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the spotlight on Lewis, Johnson, and Moreno fuels dreams of a ninth national title. Their inclusion on the Naismith watch list is not just a personal honor but a collective triumph for a program poised to reclaim its dominance, uniting Big Blue Nation in eager anticipation.
