Jasper Johnson’s first interview as a Kentucky basketball player ended with laughter, water-gun stories, and playful banter from fellow freshmen Malachi Moreno and Braydon Hawthorne — a lighthearted reminder that this year’s Wildcats have room for both competition and camaraderie.
For Mark Pope, these summer pranks reflect the kind of chemistry he values. Unlike the John Calipari era, when top-rated freshmen were expected to lead immediately, Pope’s roster leans heavily on veterans while giving young players time to grow.
Johnson, Moreno, and Hawthorne each bring NBA-level potential, but all enter 2025-26 in supporting roles. Johnson, a five-star guard, is the only one openly discussing one-and-done aspirations, yet he faces competition from experienced guards Jaland Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, and Otega Oweh. Moreno, a skilled 7-footer and McDonald’s All-American, is focused on learning the physicality of the college game, especially if lottery-pick candidate Jayden Quaintance returns from injury. Hawthorne, a versatile 6-8 forward, is committed to adding strength and soaking up knowledge from veteran teammates.
Pope’s fourth freshman, 21-year-old Andrija Jelavic, arrives with European professional experience but remains a wild card. With 10 other scholarship players, including multiple seniors and juniors expected to start, Kentucky’s freshman class will develop without the crushing expectations of previous eras.
For players like Johnson, the challenge will be balancing ambition with patience. He’s already embracing mentorship, learning from older guards while pushing himself daily in practice. Moreno is studying how to use his length strategically, and Hawthorne is approaching the season as a year-long apprenticeship.
In a college basketball climate where veteran-heavy teams like Florida and Houston reached the national title game, Kentucky’s blend of experience and youthful promise could be the right formula. As long as the freshmen keep growing — and maybe limit the late-night water fights — Pope’s plan for sustained success might just work.
