Illini Still in Fight for 5-Star Guard Jasper Johnson: ‘I’ll Make My Decision Pretty Soon’
Five-star guard Jasper Johnson discusses his official visit to Illinois last month and coming close to a decision.
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — As summer winds down, five-star guard Jasper Johnson continues to solidify his reputation as one of the premier backcourt prospects in the nation. Johnson, currently ranked No. 12 overall in the 2025 class, has been showcasing his skills at the Peach Jam, where he has averaged 20 points per game.
On Wednesday, Johnson put on an impressive performance with 16 points (including 4-for-7 from three-point range) and nine assists in a victory over Houston Hoops. His game was observed by several NBA scouts, a presence that Johnson finds motivating. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said about the NBA scouts. “I know they’re critiquing everything and every little thing. I know I gotta come out and perform, not get down on myself and have that ‘next play’ mentality.”
Johnson’s summer performance is not only turning heads in the NBA but also making waves in college basketball. Last month, he made an official visit to Illinois, a significant step in his recruitment process. “Illinois was great,” Johnson remarked. “The coaching staff made me feel at home, and I can see myself fitting in well with their system.” The visit to Illinois has brought him closer to making his final decision regarding his college future.
Illinois has been aggressively pursuing Johnson, highlighting their commitment to adding top-tier talent to their roster. The coaching staff’s efforts to make Johnson feel valued and integral to their plans have been evident. “They showed me how I could develop as a player and how I could contribute to the team’s success,” Johnson noted. The visit included meetings with the coaching staff, tours of the facilities, and interactions with current players, all of which left a positive impression on the young star.
Despite the strong interest from Illinois, Johnson is still weighing his options. “I’m still considering all my options and talking to my family and coaches,” he said. “It’s a big decision, and I want to make sure I choose the right place for me.” Other top programs are also in the mix, each presenting compelling cases for why Johnson should join their ranks.
The pressure of making such a significant decision is not lost on Johnson. He acknowledges the importance of choosing the right program for his development and future aspirations. “I want to go somewhere I can grow as a player and a person,” he explained. “Somewhere that will prepare me for the next level, both on and off the court.”
As the recruitment process enters its final stages, Johnson’s performances continue to draw attention. His ability to score, distribute, and play under pressure are qualities that make him a coveted recruit. “I just want to keep improving,” he said. “Every game, every practice, I want to get better and show that I can compete at the highest level.”
With the end of the summer circuit in sight, Johnson is moving closer to a decision. “I’ll make my decision pretty soon,” he revealed. This statement has the college basketball world eagerly anticipating his choice, knowing that whichever program secures his commitment will be getting an exceptional talent.
In the meantime, Johnson remains focused on his game, understanding that his performance on the court is a crucial part of his journey. “I know the work I put in now will pay off later,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay focused and keep getting better.”
As the summer draws to a close, Jasper Johnson’s journey is far from over. The coming weeks will be critical as he weighs his options and makes a decision that will shape the next phase of his basketball career. For now, the basketball community watches and waits, eager to see where this talented guard will take his next step.
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