Kentucky Basketball: Analyzing transfer targets Keshad Johnson and Isaiah Miranda

Kentucky Basketball transfer target – Keshad Johnson (San Diego State)

The one player that has been genuinely involved with the Wildcats is Johnson, a 6’7 combo forward that just played in the national title game with the Aztecs. He was good in that game against UConn, scoring a game-high 14 points in the loss.

On the season, Johnson was the starting forward at San Diego State, averaging 7.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg in 22 mpg as a starter. He’s not much of an offensive threat, making just 11 three-pointers total (26%) on the season. And while the Aztecs are a slow-paced team normally, Johnson has just never shown that he can be an elite scorer in college.

His value, however, comes with his defense. Johnson can guard up to four positions on the court and is physical and versatile. He’s experienced as a four-year senior and played a big part in San Diego State’s winning culture. With plenty of scoring talent joining the program and the potential of Tshiebwe coming back, they don’t need an elite scorer at the four-spot to be a contender.

And look, Livingston averaged fewer than Johnson did last season at that position and was a worse defender. So while the pacing concern would remain in the frontcourt, the defense Johnson provides would be a major asset. Kentucky is one of five programs in the mix for the former Aztec and he’s set to decide this weekend.