SDSU transfer Keshad Johnson looking to "be a leader" at next college stop

Regardless of what happens with Kentucky’s many stay/go decisions surrounding the likes of Oscar Tshiebwe, Antonio Reeves, and Chris Livingston, head coach John Calipari will head into the 2023-24 season with a talented group of top-ranked freshmen headlining his roster. During Calipari’s early years in Lexington, that was the situation that set the table for postseason success. The program has gotten away from that trend in recent years, but the upcoming season appears to be all about embracing the numerous five-star rookies.

But the youngest teams always need a veteran piece or two to calm the waves. A “connector” of sorts who can keep heads level and the eyes on the prize, both on the court and in the locker room. San Diego State transfer Keshad Johnson fits that bill and could be exactly what Kentucky is looking for in that regard.

After four seasons with the Aztecs and an appearance in the 2022 national championship game, Johnson is transferring out of SDSU to look for a new home before he begins his professional career. A commitment is coming soon and Kentucky is in good shape right now to land him of his services. Arizona is also heavily involved, as are Oklahoma and Southern California. He’s visited all four in recent weeks, with a trip to UK taking place this past week.

During Sunday’s edition of the Sunday Morning Sports Talk, KSR’s Jack Pilgrim brought on special guest Don Manning-Fuimaono, Johnson’s longtime coach and mentor, to break down Johnson’s game even further with co-hosts Anthony White and Larry Vaught. You might have already seen Pilgrim’s written interview with Manning-Fuimaono from a few days ago, but they hit the airwaves on Sunday for another round of questions.

For starters, Manning-Fuimaono reconfirmed that Johnson will make his decision on Saturday, May 20 during the latter’s graduation party. Johnson actually graduated from SDSU on Sunday but is hosting a party with friends and family next weekend in his hometown of Oakland, CA, where he’ll officially break the news of his next college stop.

As you might have seen already if you’re following this recruitment closely, Johnson raved about his visit to Kentucky on social media, particularly enjoying his tour of Calipari’s office at the Joe Craft Center. Manning-Fuimaono was equally as impressed with Calipari’s endless number of trophies and hardware.

“We both enjoyed it,” Manning-Fuimaono said during hour three of the Sunday Morning Sports Talk. “It was fascinating in terms of the interaction that we had with the coaching staff, the interaction that we had with Cal, and also just being in Lexington, meeting people. We had a great time. Cal’s office was probably one of the highlights. Seeing his collection of memorabilia and accomplishments over time, pretty breathtaking.”

Today, Keshad Johnson’s meeting with John Calipari in his office.

“This is wild,” the SDSU transfer says as Cal tells the story of wanting to draft Kobe Bryant.

“Give me a ring, Coach!” https://t.co/qSiCJxIw0R pic.twitter.com/tPgrZFPujE

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) May 11, 2023

So far in his four-year college career, Johnson has accomplished plenty. He was a multi-year starter for SDSU, starting every game as a junior and senior, and has been a key piece to a program that posted an overall record of 108-23 during his four seasons. The 6-foot-7 wing is known for his defensive prowess (he can capably guard all five positions) and his strength, especially when attacking in transition. He could fill the hole left by Chris Livingston if the latter elects to stay in the NBA Draft pool.

But with so many youngsters coming to Lexington this season and uncertainty clouding the rest of the roster, Johnson would bring much more to the Wildcats than just defense and toughness. He would provide a leadership presence that would help pave the road for youthful freshmen still trying to adjust to the pressure and style of playing at UK.

“What Keshad is looking for is to be a leader and win,” Manning-Fuimaono added. “Whatever that entails, we’re open to that. He’s versatile though and if he gets it off the glass he wants to be able to push it in transition to make plays. What we’re focused on more so is what he’s able to do defensively and the type of leadership that he’s able to provide in a high-level winning situation. That’s what he’s looking for. He obviously got to the national championship last year and he wants to have an opportunity to get back this year…

“With all the schools that are recruiting him, I think (Johnson’s leadership) stands out. When things go bad for the team, he’s able to put his arms around guys and huddle them up and get them focused and get them locked in and help get them through tough times. But also he’s a super high-character guy off the court. He’s a guy that leads by example, he’s a gym rat… He’s what you want the players in your program to be, he knows that. But the way he is naturally he wants to help and take care of guys.”

A stable veteran presence would be a welcome sight for next season’s Kentucky team, which at times in recent years has seemingly lacked a go-to vocal leader everyone on the team would pay full attention to.

Johnson is also looking to make it to the NBA one day, which should give Kentucky a leg-up in its recruiting pitch. UK has turned into a feeder for the league over the last decade-plus with several former Wildcats competing deep into this year’s postseason. Being a leader, developing on the court, and winning at the highest level are what Johnson is looking for the most out of his final college season.

Could that be at Kentucky? We’ll find out in under a week.

“Ultimately, it’s just gonna be who puts him in the best position for his future,” Manning-Fuimaono said of where Johnson will commit to. “And that will be beyond basketball as well. Like I said, it’s a tough decision for him and he’s in a unique position. The winning is so important to getting back to a high level to be able to compete for a conference championship, national championship. And then the role that he plays along that journey, I think is going to be the most important thing for him.”