Breaking news:Chris Livingston flip his commitment back to Kentucky wildcat Mark Pope future see…
The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie Chris Livingston to the Wisconsin Herd, the team’s G-League affiliate.
The development was announced by the Wisconsin Herd through its social media platforms. Livingston was the final pick in the 2023 NBA Draft when the Bucks selected him as the 58th pick.
Jasper Johnson stays home, commits to Kentucky men’s basketball
Jasper Johnson stays home, commits to Kentucky men’s basketball – WTVQ
VERSAILLES, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW)- Jasper Johnson is staying home and coming to Lexington as the newest commitment to Head Coach Mark Pope and Kentucky men’s basketball for the 2025 recruiting class.
Johnson is the first ever five-star recruit for Pope in his short time at the helm of the Wildcats.
The Big Blue Decision
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The former Woodford County and Link Academy player made his choice in front of a packed house at his old high school in Versailles.
Flanked by friends and family, Jasper made a fake phone call and said ‘Where is my Donatos?,’ before receiving two pizza boxes from the chain restaurant.
Next, he pulled out a blue and white Kentucky basketball jersey with the number 30 on it while his father, Dennis, took his old Kentucky football jersey out of the other. Chants of ‘Go Big Blue,’ boomed around the gym as Johnson stood up to hug his family.
Johnson had his final five schools (Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas and Louisville) chosen, but Pope had the least amount of time to get Johnson’s signature.
“It was a hard decision.” said Johnson. “It really came down to North Carolina, Alabama and Kentucky. It was hard because (Alabama head coach) Nate Oats was one of the first power five schools to offer me.”
Johnson will have his senior year of high school at Overtime Elite left to prepare for Pope’s high percentage three point shooting offense.
In His Father’s Footsteps
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Jasper isn’t the first Wildcat in his family. His father, Dennis, played for the ‘Cats in the late 1990s as a defensive end and went to Harrodsburg High School, now Mercer County. Johnson is currently the head coach of the football team at Woodford County.
Dennis’ decision to play for Kentucky came amidst other college offers as well. The elder Johnson was by his son’s side every step of the way during the recruiting process.
“I said you have to do what’s in your heart,” said Johnson. “All things considered. The basketball, who’s going to make you better, where do you want to be? When we put all the pluses and minuses on the table it was Kentucky and he’s excited to be there.”
Jasper’s family ties to UK don’t stop there.
Alvis, Jasper’s late grandfather, was a college football player at Western Kentucky and an assistant athletic director at Kentucky. He passed away in the summer of 2023.
“My grandfather meant a lot to me. He was there for me from the beginning. I know if he was here right now he’d be very happy for me,” said Johnson.
Locals Staying Home
Jasper’s choice is the same as four-star Great Crossing center Malachi Moreno’s, who decided in August to commit to Kentucky. Both Moreno and Johnson were targets of Pope and his staff once they arrived in Lexington.
Jasper says that his choice was not heavily impacted by Malachi’s decision, but he’s excited to work with the Warhawk when they both get to Lexington.
“I wouldn’t say that it was much of a factor. It’s definitely a plus for sure. I know how good he is,” said Johnson.
