Busting Brackets
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Kentucky Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 15: Keldon Johnson #3 of Oak Hill Academy goes for a layup. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 15: Keldon Johnson #3 of Oak Hill Academy goes for a layup. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

F Keldon Johnson – Mouth of Wilson, VA

One of the most athletic players in the class, Keldon Johnson can fly on the wing. Out of Oak Hill Academy, the 6-foot-6 small forward is an extremely dangerous athlete in transition who can also be a menace on the defensive end of the floor. With his size and lengthy wingspan, Johnson is a switchable defender who can cover positions 1-through-4. This defensive versatility alone makes him a valuable addition to the Kentucky roster.

However, he is also above-average playmaker for his position. He uses his size to see over defenders and can make defenses collapse on him with his drives into the lane. A more than capable passer, Johnson reads defenses well as he attacks the basket and, if he does not have a clear path to score, finds the right man on the perimeter for a shot. In addition, he is a budding shooter with plenty of room to develop.

Johnson is ranked as the No. 13 recruit in the nation and the top player out of Virginia. As a senior this past season, Johnson posted averages of 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists (to 1.2 turnovers) per game. Along the way, he shot 58.8% from the field (173-for-294) and 33.3% from the 3-point land (22-for-66). In addition, his 77.6% (76-for-98) shooting from the free throw line is encouraging.

The Cats’ Pause took note of Calipari’s thoughts on Johnson:

"“Keldon has a chance to be special. He could play 1, 2 or 3. He’s got size. He’s got some length. Unbelievable toughness. Not backing down. Like, I don’t care what happens, he ain’t backing down. But it’s an energy, a spirit about him that he brings like a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.”"

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