Prospect Commitment Prediction: Keldon Johnson
Editors Note: These predictions are not based on any inside information provided by coaches, players of the family of the prospects. It is simply what is stated, a prediction by myself as to where I believe they may end up. Enjoy!
Predicted Commitment: Maryland, Texas, Kentucky
Dark Horse Candidates: UVA, Georgetown, Florida State
Keldon Johnson was highly touted as a freshman at Park View in South Hill, and those who cooled on him after his sophomore and junior season were forced to eat their words as he was one of the best players in the country this past summer leading Boo Williams to the Peach Jam semifinals in the EYBL. The 6’6″ wing is transferring to Oak Hill Academy from Huntington Prep for his senior season, and will be joined by Boo Williams teammate Keyontae Johnson. The #7 ranked player in the country according to ESPN, Johnson has become a priority for many coaches, the latest being John Caliparri over at Kentucky who offered last week.
While he isn’t one to talk much about his recruitment, many national experts list Maryland, Texas and Kentucky as the schools they think have the best chance at Johnson. He was at Maryland elite camp earlier this summer, where head coach Mark Turgeon took a liking to him and he reportedly really enjoyed his time with the program and enjoyed the campus. Shaka Smart at Texas has been recruiting Johnson the longest, having offered him as a freshman when he was at VCU and continuing to keep him as a priority throughout the process. The late offer from Kentucky has thrown a monkey wrench into things, mostly because of their blue blood and Caliparri’s reputation to prepare prospects for the NBA. They had been recruiting him for the past year or so, but after inviting him on campus and offering him they have securely cemented themselves as a front runner.
Johnson hasn’t narrowed his list down yet, but plans to soon.While those three are where many expect him to pick from, don’t sleep on his connections to the local programs of UVA and Georgetown, both who offered him early and have built relationships with him. UVA offered him as a freshman at their elite camp and he would fit well in their system, one that has made them a contender in the ACC the past decade. Georgetown can’t be counted out either, since Johnson’s older brother Kaleb is a rising junior there. Florida State has made Johnson a priority over the past few seasons, and with their success recruiting guys at Oak Hill such as Dwayne Bacon they stand a good chance to stay in the running and possibly get one of their biggest commits in recent years.
Johnson has taken unofficial visits to Maryland, UVA, NC State, Georgetown, Kentucky and others, and said in an interview with Scout that he plans on narrowing his list in the next coming weeks. He has also set official visits to Texas and Florida State in September.
Having known Johnson since he was a freshman, the one thing I know is that there is no telling where he may decide, but wherever he does commit to will be getting an immediate impact player and NBA prospect.