Two Kentucky targets have cancelled visits this week. One of those being class of 2025 four-star center Eric Reibe was originally set to visit Lexington on September 13th, but has cancelled and is not expected to reschedule, per sources.

This news comes just a few weeks after the commitment of four-star big man Malachi Moreno, which played a significant impact on Reibe’s decision to cancel. With the expectation that Brandon Garrison will return for a junior season, there are already two spots filled in the Kentucky frontcourt next season.

Reibe currently plays in Maryland and is now zeroing in on other options. His list includes the likes of Kansas, Creighton, UConn, Indiana, and Oregon as some notable schools he is considering.

2026 Finnish target Miika Muurinen has also cancelled his visit to Kentucky this week, which was scheduled for September 14th. However, Murrinen, who is also a 2025 reclass candidate, has had some “great” conversations with Mark Pope and the staff and is expected to reschedule the visit. On Friday, Pope even was in attendance for his Pro Day with Arizona Compass Prep.

An athletic 6-9 wing, who can dribble, pass, and shoot, Murrinen has no shortage of suitors with the likes of Alabama, Duke, and North Carolina also in pursuit. He is visiting Utah this weekend and is set to visit Duke later this month.

With the commitments of Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno to kickoff the 2025 class, the staff will shift focus to wing and forward targets such as Tonde Yessoufou, Caleb Wilson, Chris Cenac Jr, Niko Bundalo, and Nate Ament. Plus other guard targets such as Mikel Brown Jr, Braylon Mullins, and Acaden Lewis.

“BOOM!” as Cody Fueger would say, Kentucky has received their second commitment of the 2025 class from five-star Jasper Johnson, who announced his commitment at his former high school in Woodford County on Thursday.

A 6-foot-4 guard and the No. 10 overall recruit in the 2025 class, Johnson is one of the highest-ranked recruits to come from Kentucky in years. While he is from the state and has numerous family ties to the university, it was far from a ‘gimme’ recruitment for the Cats.

Johnson’s father Dennis played football for Kentucky as an All-SEC defensive end for the Wildcats, as did his uncle Derrick as a defensive tackle. His late grandfather, Alvis Johnson, worked at UK as assistant athletics director. All that to say he grew up a North Carolina fan.

The Tar Heels stayed a threat til the end, along with Alabama. Over the last few weeks, there were varying reports that each school was in the lead. However, the idea of playing at home (along with some additional NIL offers) came out on top in the end.

Johnson joins Malachi Moreno in Kentucky’s 2025 class, and becomes Mark Pope’s highest-ranked commitment of his coaching career. While still early, the duo’s commitments push Kentucky’s 2025 class ranking up to third, per 247Sports.

Scouting Report

A left-handed combo guard with a 6-4, 175-pound frame, Jasper Johnson is a score-first player. With the ability to score from all three levels, Johnson is crafty around the rim and has deep range. With a lot of confidence, he is not afraid to shoot it, sometimes too much, shooting less than 40 percent during Peach Jam this summer. That leads to his shot selection, which needs improvement, and the Kentucky staff believes they can help that by using screens, hand-offs, and cuts, which Johnson often used in EYBL and fits Pope’s offense.

Johnson can also run point and is a good passer, but will need to learn how to impact games when he is off the ball. Defensively, he has good length, with a recorded 6’9 wingspan he can interrupt passing lanes. However, he struggles with more physical guards due to his lean frame.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

“These young men that grow up in Kentucky, they bring a spirit to the tram that cannot be fabricated or replaced.”

That is what Mark Pope said at his introductory press conference, back in April, talking about the importance of having in-state talent on the roster. As he said that, his eyes were directed at 2024 Mr. Kentucky Basketball Travis Perry, who was in attendance. Fast forward to today, not only is Travis Perry on the Wildcat roster, but also Harlan County’s Trent Noah, a three-star prospect who decommitted from South Carolina and committed to Kentucky this summer.

Through thirty-two (limited) summer practices, the coaching staff has gotten a good look at this team, specifically the in-state talents. What has stood out the most? Their work ethic.

“Both of them are great young men. That probably sounds cliche but they work,” Kentucky assistant coach Jason Hart said on the Sources Say podcast last week. “They work, they work, they work. They work good days, bad days. They have a mindset to try and get better and they have to live up to the great Kentucky local players. The Reed Sheppards, and the guys that came in before them. They understand that and that’s why they’re coming in with 10,000 percent work ethic every day.“

Through summer practices, one of the main talking points has been Perry’s shooting ability, which his teammates and coaches have raved about. He has even confirmed reports that he shot 100-100 on free throws and made 59 straight three-pointers in a drill this summer.

“(Perry) had a great summer in shooting. His skill development. He shot the ball extremely well,” Hart said. With any player with an impressive offseason, the key will be to carry it over to the season. “We’re just ready for that to carry over. Like every freshman, it’s a learning curve. You’ve got to learn and with that comes some patience and stuff but he’s doing really well.”

Veteran transfer guard Kerr Krissa, who has played with Arizona, West Virginia, and internationally, told the media that Perry is one of the best shooters he’s played with. “I’ve had some pretty good shooters around me, but he’s definitely up there,” Kerr said.

Why does he think that is? Again, it’s because Perry is putting in the work. “He works hard, man. He really does.”

While Perry has been receiving the headlines, Noah has been working hard in practice too. “He has been really, really great,” Dayton transfer Koby Brea said. With so many veterans on the roster, Noah’s playing time will likely be limited, but he understands that and knows he is taking the tougher route to play for his home school.

“We’re at the University of Kentucky. Pressure is a privilege,” Noah said. “It’s amazing to be here, super grateful to be here. That’s why we don’t take it for granted. We come in every day and work and it really is an honor to put on the jersey.”