Kentucky makes final cut for SDSU transfer Keshad Johnson

Has Kentucky found a potential Chris Livingston replacement? The Wildcats have made the final cut for San Diego State graduate transfer Keshad Johnson, one of five schools he is considering for his fifth and final year of eligibility.

24/7 High School Hoops reports Johnson is considering Kentucky, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and USC for his next stop, along with considering the pro route.

A 6-foot-7 forward out of Oakland, Johnson started all 39 games for San Diego State, including six games in the NCAA Tournament during the Aztecs’ run to the title game. In 22.2 minutes per contest, he averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 53.2% from the field, 26.2% from three and 64.8% at the line. He scored in double figures on 12 separate occasions this past season, including 14 points in the championship game vs. UConn.

Johnson previously averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds as a junior, 4.0 points and 3.6 rebounds as a sophomore and 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds as a freshman.

It’s the first public connection between Johnson and Kentucky, similar to Jacob Toppin’s recruitment back in 2020 — an abrupt finalist announcement to include the Wildcats, followed by a quick commitment.

Officially testing the NBA Draft waters, Johnson has until May 31 to withdraw and return to college, choosing one of his five remaining finalists.

A former three-star prospect in the class of 2019, the 6-foot-7 forward was ranked No. 205 overall and No. 40 at his position in the On3 Industry Ranking. He originally picks the Aztecs over offers from Cincinnati, DePaul, Fresno State, Georgetown, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington State, among others.

He entered the transfer portal back on April 14. Since then he’s taken visits to Oklahoma and USC.

Could Kentucky be next? Things are clearly ramping up quickly and quietly between the Wildcats and the two-way forward.