When he scored 15 points on 6/10 shooting with three assists in Kentucky’s exhibition win against No. 1 Purdue, it was evident Jasper Johnson was not going to be overwhelmed by the moment.
Johnson leads
the Wildcats with 16 assists through four games, a crucial stretch with Jaland Lowe working through a recurring shoulder injury. Fellow freshman Malachi Moreno is comparing Johnson to former Wildcats lottery pick Rob Dillingham, which has been a common comparison for Johnson since he arrived on campus.
“I think Jasper definitely fits in the role of Rob (Dillingham), just how shifty they are and how they can finish with both hands and finish pretty acrobatically,” Moreno said during a Monday meeting with local media. “We’ve seen Jasper do a lot of different things. I think drawing that comparison is a great fit. He’s not afraid of the physicality. He’s willing to take a hit to the chest if he has to, and he’s willing to make a stand defensively.
“He’s really trying to prove himself and to solidify that he’s one of the better guards in the country. One of the better freshmen guards in the country.”
Johnson is going to be an integral part of this team. He’s ready to be a major contributor, especially now that Lowe is out.
Like Rob Dillingham making four 3-pointers in two minutes against Kansas in the 2023 Champions Classic, maybe Johnson will have a moment like that in Madison Square Garden Tuesday night against No. 17 Michigan State.
