Trinity freshman SG Jayden Johnson has "always wanted to play" for John Calipari

No matter which part of the state they come from, a Bluegrass-born kid will — at some point — dream of playing basketball for the University of Kentucky. Reed Sheppard, a four-star 2023 prospect out of London, KY committed to play for the Wildcats, has been the poster boy for this notion over the last couple of years. But on the other side of the state, another local product is sharing the same mindset.

Jayden Johnson is a high school freshman originally born in Bowling Green, KY who is playing his first season of basketball at Louisville Trinity. The 6-foot-5 youngster played varsity for Louisville Male as an eighth grader, averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 33 games played for the Bulldogs. Johnson was a key rotational piece on a Male squad that made it all the way to the 2022 Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena before falling to eventual finalist Warren Central in the opening round.

After a summer of impressive play on the Nike EYBL circuit for Brad Beal Elite and a transfer to Trinity during the offseason, Johnson is establishing himself as one of the best freshmen hoopers in the entire country. He earned offers from a trio of Power 5 programs over the summer in Missouri, West Virginia, and Cincinnati and is being recruited by several big-name schools.

As one might expect, the in-state Kentucky and Louisville programs are already beginning to reach out, too.

“It’s obviously early but I got a few schools,” Johnson recently told KSR about who is recruiting him right now. “I got Arkansas, Ohio State, Kentucky Louisville, close around schools so far.”

At the 2022 Kentucky Play-By-Play Classic in Louisville, KY on Sunday, Johnson and the rest of Trinity went head-to-head against Huntington Prep (WV), pulling off a 75-69 thrilling overtime victory. The veterans put on a show for the Shamrocks, led by 30 points from underrated junior guard Drae Vasser, but plenty of eyes were on Johnson.

One of the people watching the action throughout the day-long event was Kentucky associate coach Orlando Antigua. It’s still very early in the recruiting process for Johnson, but he’s already begun to build a relationship with the staff at UK. For him, playing under John Calipari is part of the aforementioned dream that comes with being from the Bluegrass State.

“Growing up, I was a Kentucky kid, Kentucky fan,” Johnson said. “Always wanted to play for Coach Calipari, he’s awesome. Just to have that hometown feeling, that’d be awesome.

“I’ve never talked to (Calipari) before but he’s been in contact with my people.”

Johnson added that he would “love” to take visits later in his recruitment to both Kentucky and Louisville.

First look at ‘26 Trinity standout Jayden Johnson. All of the tools to be a five-star down the road, skilled with great size at 6-6.

Early offers from Missouri, West Virginia and Cincinnati.

Orlando Antigua courtside for Kentucky pic.twitter.com/sBxxNJ7NKk

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) December 11, 2022

In terms of his on-court game, Johnson is on track to grow into the ideal NBA wing. He’s 6-foot-5, roughly 180 pounds now but says he’s expected to reach 6-foot-8 by the time he’s done growing. Johnson already has a smooth perimeter game and models his moves after the likes of NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Paul George. He can take defenders off the dribble, shoots the ball well, and plays multiple positions.

Once the class of 2026 rankings begin to make the rounds, don’t be surprised to see Johnson’s name near the very top. He’s considered the top freshman from the state of Kentucky and expects to be one of the nation’s top youngsters moving forward. His recruitment is already beginning to boom, which brings pressure that he’s eager to embrace.

“It’s been great,” Johnson said of his rise in popularity. “It’s pretty easy, just not letting that get to my mind. Just staying humble and keep working, because everyone wants to come after me because I’m the No. 1 player in the state. I can’t let that get to my head.”