Jasper Johnson wins GOLD at FIBA U19 World Cup

Jasper Johnson took a European vacation this summer and is bringing back one heck of a souvenir. He and Team USA won the gold medal in the FIBA U19 World Cup, defeating Germany in the Finals. This marks the 6th World Cup victory for the United States’ U19 team in their last nine attempts, and their 9th FIBA championship since the tournament began in 1979.

Much like World War II, Germany jumped out to an early lead and looked like they might make it a contest, but the USA unleashed a relentless amount of explosive plays in the second half to secure a decisive victory for the Red, White, and Blue. The final score: 109-76.

Kentucky’s smooth-shooting lefty, Jasper Johnson, finished the game with five points, three assists, and two rebounds in nearly 16 minutes of action. He drew a foul on a 3-point attempt in the first half and knocked down all three of his free throws to get in the scoring column. He later hit a tough floater in the lane for his only field goal. Johnson also finished the game with a team-high plus-26 in the plus-minus category.

Kentucky’s freshman combo guard was one of Team USA’s most reliable players through the seven-game gauntlet in Switzerland, averaging 8 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting from the field and 40.7 percent shooting from behind the arc. If he can translate that level of consistency from the world stage to the SEC, he will play a huge role in Kentucky’s quest to number nine.

Congrats to Johnson and the rest of Team USA (except, of course, to Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.; L’s down to him) for taking home the gold. It was a trip well worth missing a few summer workouts with new Kentucky teammates. Hopefully, Johnson will bring back everyone some Swiss chocolate and an ‘I heart Lausanne‘ shirt to make up for it.