Is He a CAT? Impact Transfer Keshad Johnson Could Be UK bound

Rising Scout Pablo Cong takes a look at one of the top transfers in the portal, Keshad Johnson and what he could bring to Lexington should he decide to be a “Cat”.

One name that has been making waves in the transfer portal is Keshad Johnson, a 6'7" forward hailing from Oakland, California. He played this past season for San Diego State and was instrumental in helping the Aztecs reach the championship game. Johnson’s skill set and adaptability on both ends of the court makes him a highly coveted player.

Skill-set at a Glance

Known for his defensive prowess, Johnson possesses a unique ability to guard players at every position on the court. Standing at 6'7", he possesses the length and agility necessary to stifle opponents, regardless of their size or position. Johnson’s defensive versatility allows his coaches to employ various defensive schemes, as he can seamlessly switch on pick-and-rolls, protect the rim, and stay locked in on the perimeter.

While his defensive capabilities have garnered much attention, Johnson’s offensive game should not be overlooked. A slasher by nature, he possesses the athleticism and quickness to penetrate the defense and finish at the rim with authority. Moreover, Johnson has worked diligently on his shooting stroke, making him a threat from mid-range and beyond the arc.

How does he fit with the Wildcats?

Adaptability on Defense

Johnson’s long arms and defensive pressure on the ball denial make it tough on offensive players, he goes from guarding a dribble hand-off to switching and recovering for a big time block leading to an Aztec fast break. Johnson’s defensive acumen is exactly what UK has been missing.

Now, let’s consider the potential defensive team for UK. Justin Edwards, an incoming freshman and talented wing known for his elite defensive skills. He will likely be a strong asset on the perimeter. Another option is Ugonna Onyenso, who has shown great ability as a shot blocker. His presence in the paint can be a valuable deterrent for opposing offenses.

Finally, we have Aaron Bradshaw, a 7'1" player with shot-blocking capabilities. The coaching staff intends to utilize him at the 4 spot, where his size and defensive skills can make a significant impact. These three players offer different defensive strengths, and their combinations will provide Johnson with solid support on the defensive end. That’s four very good defenders possibly on the floor at once. However, it remains to be seen whether Ugonna and Bradshaw can effectively guard in open space, and if they possess the necessary lateral quickness and mobility to defend against the pick-and-roll.

Offense versatility

These clips show his improving jumpshot (deep and midrange), rim running, transition run-outs, offensive rebounding, put backs. Johnson is an extremely athletic and fast player. Johnson will greatly benefit from the explosive freshmen guards coming to UK. Coach Cal wants to play fast which is indicated by him bringing in Rob Dillingham, DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard at the guard spots.

Dillingham is guaranteed to be one of the most creative guards in college next season, with his ability to score and underrated passing ability. He’s a good PnR player and makes plays with flair which can sometimes get him in trouble. Playing Rob and Keshad together, you can expect that Johnson will find himself in prime position for short rolls, lobs, and run outs in transition.

DJ Wagner, an exceptional offensive guard, possesses excellent scoring skills and also displays elite competitiveness as a willing passer. Furthermore, Reed Sheppard is a pass-first guard who excels as a pick-and-roll maestro while also showcasing his ability to score in abundance. Keshad would be a welcomed addition with the talented newcomers arriving in Lexington for the 2023–24 season.

Pablo’s Next Play Breakdown:

In conclusion, Coach Calipari and UK appear to be leading the race for his services, but only time will tell. Johnson has been on an official visit to UK since Wednesday, and as it approaches its end, Kentucky enthusiasts will eagerly await the decision of this talented young forward.