<a href="https://www.on3.com/db/malachi-moreno-162537/">Malachi Moreno</a> was the first in-state star to come off the board ahead of the early signing period. Up next? <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/jasper-johnson-158521/">Jasper Johnson</a>, the nation’s No. 11 overall prospect out of Lexington.



The five-star guard had previously planned to make a decision during or immediately following Peach Jam until an offseason of landscape-altering coaching changes forced him to hit pause. Then he circled this week on his calendar for a potential commitment — either August 21 or 22 — before receiving an invite to Mamba Camp out in Los Angeles scheduled for August 24 (8/24), best known as Mamba Day.



Rather than juggle a college choice and the prestigious camp — his last after a busy summer full of them — Johnson has pushed back his decision one week, going public with an announcement before the end of August.



“We will make a decision next week,” the five-star guard’s father, Dennis Johnson, told KSR. “The family wants to make the best decision for Jasper.”



Johnson’s statement comes amid rumors of a back-and-forth race between Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina with Arkansas and Louisville also included among finalists. Some have made this decision out to be a bidding war, speculation the standout guard stresses is not true — NIL not even a top priority when it comes time to choose his school.



Money is part of today’s game, but it won’t push him one direction or another.



“I know it’s something that has to be done nowadays and it’s something you’ve got to look into, but it’s not really that important to me,” <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/5-star-guard-jasper-johnson-nearing-commitment-looking-for-right-fit/">Johnson told KSR.</a> “I’m keeping the main goal the main goal and the main focus the main focus. I let everybody around me and my parents deal with that. You’ve just got to focus on what’s important and everything else will take care of itself.”



What will he be prioritizing over the next week ahead of his commitment?



“(Figuring out) what’s the best fit for me. I know there are opportunities everywhere, so I’m just taking my time, being patient,” he added. ”I’m going to talk to my family about it and see what’s the right fit for me. … Fit, being patient, praying about it and making sure that when it’s time, I’m making the right choice for me.”



<a href="https://www.on3.com/sites/kentucky-wildcats/join/">Take advantage of our KSR+ HOMEGROWN Special to get bonus coverage of the Cats, including football transfer portal rumblings, basketball game threads, in-depth scouting reports, and the latest recruiting intel. Use promo code HOMEGROWN for 50% off the annual price.</a>

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