UNC Basketball Lands Among Finalists for Sharpshooting Kentucky Native

Potential UNC basketball recruiting prize Jasper Johnson has revealed a top five but no announcement date just yet.
UNC basketball recruiting target Jasper Johnson
UNC basketball recruiting target Jasper Johnson / Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK

Longtime UNC basketball target Jasper Johnson, a heralded 3-point sniper who hails from Kentucky but attended prep powerhouse Link Academy (Mo.) before recently announcing his transfer to Overtime Elite (Ga.) for his senior year, is in the final stage of his recruitment. And Hubert Davis' Tar Heels remain in the race.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the 6-foot-4, 175-pound five-star, No. 10 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, named five finalists: UNC, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisville.

While Johnson has not formally set an end date in the battle, 247Sports' Travis Branham reported on Tuesday that the crafty lefty "will make his college decision in late August."

Johnson has visited the Tar Heels a couple of times. As part of his official visit in February, he was on hand to see the 2023-24 UNC basketball squad defeat archrival Duke in the Smith Center. He returned to Chapel Hill for an unofficial visit a few weeks ago.

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His only other official visits to date were to Alabama and Kentucky. According to On3's Joe Tipton, Johnson "does not have any other visits currently scheduled."

No insiders have entered 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for the Jasper Johnson sweepstakes.

The Tar Heels have yet to reel in a commitment on the 2025 recruiting trail. Perhaps Johnson will be the first.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.