The Wildcats are on the move — literally and figuratively.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and two of his highly-touted freshmen, Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, made a high-profile arrival in Colorado Springs aboard a private jet, setting the tone for what promises to be a pivotal week at the USA Basketball U19 National Team training camp.
Pope’s presence at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center marks a defining moment for Kentucky’s new era. As he steps onto the court as one of Team USA’s four on-court coaches, Pope joins an elite crew that includes Hubert Davis (North Carolina), Nate Oats (Alabama), and Damon Stoudamire (Georgia Tech) — signaling just how quickly he’s becoming a major figure not just in Lexington, but across the national stage.
But make no mistake: this isn’t just about coaching Team USA. It’s a golden opportunity for Pope to develop chemistry with his newest stars and scout future Wildcats in a highly competitive environment.
Meet the Kentucky Freshmen Making Waves at Camp
Jasper Johnson, a 6’4″ left-handed combo guard from Lexington, has emerged as one of the most electric young players in the nation. Coming off a stellar season with Real Wild Energy in Overtime Elite, Johnson posted eye-popping numbers — 20.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game — while shooting 42.3% from three. He also helped Team USA capture gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup.
Alongside him is Malachi Moreno, Kentucky’s 7’1″ big man from nearby Georgetown. A true force in the paint, Moreno averaged 21.5 points and 14.9 rebounds per game during his senior season, shooting a blistering 71.7% from the field. The Mr. Kentucky Basketball and McDonald’s All-American is back at this camp for a second year, and he’s expected to dominate.
The Camp That Could Shape a Championship Future
The training camp runs June 14–22 and features 32 of the top U19 players in the country. Only 12 will make the final roster for the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, which means every practice session is a battle — and every decision matters.
Alongside head coach Tommy Lloyd (Arizona) and assistants like Grant McCasland (Texas Tech) and Micah Shrewsberry (Notre Dame), Pope will help evaluate talent not just for Team USA, but for future Wildcats as well.
The finalists are set to be announced June 16, with the final 12-man roster revealed by June 21.
What This Means for Kentucky
For Big Blue Nation, this camp is more than just a summer event — it’s a glimpse into the future. Seeing Pope lead at the international level while developing a strong bond with Johnson and Moreno adds credibility to his vision for Kentucky’s next chapter.
A Wildcat legend from the 1996 National Championship team, Pope is now writing a new story — one where Kentucky’s best not only compete at home but thrive on the world stage.
As the U19 camp heats up in Colorado Springs, Kentucky fans have plenty of reasons to believe: the Pope era is just getting started, and it’s already flying high.
