Phenom Hoop Report goes up close and personal with Boo Williams AAU rising star and Five Star Recruit
Keldon Johnson
The Keldon Johnson File
Player's Name: Keldon Johnson @imthe_truth32
High School: Park View High School, South Hill VA
Academic Achievement: 4.0gpa
Class: 2018 Pos: Shooting Guard Ht: 6'6 Wt: 210 pounds
AAU Team: Boo Williams EYBL 17U
AAU Statistics: 16.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 49% fg, 68% ft
Recruiting: Offers: Virginia, NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Penn State, Texas, Texas Tech, East Carolina, Providence, Florida, Xavier, James Madison, St Louis, Norfolk State, Ohio State, 'Interest from North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, Creighton, Butler.
Personal: Son of Christopher and Rochelle Johnson. Has two brothers; Kyle who attends Old Dominion University and Kaleb who is a freshman forward for the Georgetown Hoyas and a
sister, Kristen.
Other noteworthy: Keldon is a two-time VHSL Group 3A All-State selection and twice has earned All-Conference 25 honors'Earned Conference 25 Player of the Year honors for the 2015-2016 season'On Saturday, February 7, 2015 with 4:14 left in the third quarter of a game against Brunswick HS, Keldon converted a layup giving him a total of 560 points on the season to break the VHSL record for the most points ever scored by a high school freshman, a record that stood for 63 years! Keldon wasted no time making his presence known! He scored 18 points in his high school varsity debut against Hopewell HS and followed that up with 40 in his second game against Armstrong HS. He also scored 40 in a win over Bluestone HS and went on to score 30 points or more nine times while averaging 26.8 ppg during his record breaking freshman campaign. Keldon finished his freshman season with 597 points! In his first season on the Nike EYBL Circuit he led Boo Williams in points per game and rebounds per game.
What the scouts are saying:
From the 2015 Phenom Hoop Report Virginia Top 80:
#42 6'4 2018 Keldon Johnson ' Park View HS (Sterling)
Johnson experienced a break out of sorts, during camp. His size and skill set are elite for a freshman and his bloodlines (brother Kaleb going to Georgetown) are great. Johnson's Camp Coach Craig Dawson stated, 'Keldon took a lot of shots, but his skill set is high. He has a pure shooting stroke.' We are eager to watch Johnson progress, the sky could be the limit. After watching Keldon last summer, Phenom Hoop Report Co-owner and National Scout Jamie Shaw wrote: 'There Are Not 20 Better Players in The 2018 Class Than 6’5 Keldon Johnson (Park View). A 5-Star.' Johnson has a smooth feel for the game, he is comfortable on the ball in the half court. The 4.0 student has a very lengthy frame and is able to score the ball at all 3-levels. As we stated after the Virginia Top 80, the sky is the limit for him.
Coach Frank say's: Long and strong Keldon Johnson is an imposing presence on the basketball court not only because of his long wingspan and 6'6, 210-pound frame but because he can do it all combining physicality with a smooth and graceful playing style. He is a fierce competitor and punishing finisher at the rim. He scores at all levels possessing a high arcing jump shot and
gets his shot off against taller defenders near the basket. He can finish through contact and can hit the mid-range jumper with very good consistency. 'A high IQ player, Keldon makes good decisions with the basketball and is a solid passer, uses his dribble wisely and is a willing passer. He can score in abundance but his ability to get his teammates involved is often overlooked. He has sound defensive mechanics and is a stingy and active on-ball defender. Keldon can defend the perimeter as well as the post area at the high school level and is an excellent rebounder. There is no question but the Keldon Johnson is one of the country's most exciting and promising 2018's! Let's meet fast-rising Virginia basketball star Keldon Johnson:
Q: Your basketball successes are well documented and for good reason but your also a very good student carrying a 4.0 GPA. What is your favorite subject and why'
A: I enjoy Science, particularly the study of animals and plants.
Q: It's still early in the process but when you do finally decide to look at a college what are some things that you will take into consideration that will influence your decision' Do you have
an idea as to what you might want to major in'
A: Having a good relationship with the coaches is a major key in my decision. As far as a major I have not decided yet.
Q: You're very talented at a young age, do you recall how old you were when you first picked up a basketball or what drove you toward basketball'
A: I've had a passion for basketball as long as I can remember, its just something I've always loved to do.
Q: Obviously your brother Kaleb has enjoyed great basketball success as well and is now playing for the Georgetown Hoyas. How much of an influence has he had not only on your game but in helping you deal with the attention that comes along with being a high profile athlete'
A: He has a big influence on my game and my preparation. In dealing with the attention he always tells me to remain humble throughout the process.
Q: Can you take us back to that Saturday night in early February 2015 when you broke the VHSL freshman scoring record. Did you know how many points you needed going into the game' What was it like when they stopped the game and your teammates rush out onto the floor to congratulate you'
A: Yes, it was an amazing experience. I needed 16 points to break the record and I really can't explain the feeling except to say it was amazing.
Q: That freshman record lasted 63 years, what an awesome achievement! As you reflect on the moment and on the achievement, what goes through your mind'
A: I couldn't believe I actually did it. It's hard to describe the feeling.
Q: How are you enjoying your first season on the prestigious EYBL circuit and the opportunity to go head to head against many of the top players in the nation'
A: It was a great experience having the opportunity to compete against many of the best players in the country, meeting so many people and getting to know other players. A very rewarding experience.
Q: We know your always looking to be the best player your can be and your work ethic has been applauded by your coaches. What areas of your game are you concentrating most on improving'
A: I am always looking to improve all areas of my game.
Q: You had the opportunity to participate in the NBA Top 100 Camp, what did you learn from that experience'
A: I had a chance to meet some coaches and basically they said just play hard, don't take plays off. Work on defending because the offense will come, and be efficient with your touches.
Q: You're regarded as a big time scorer, what are some other aspects of your game you want coaches to see'
A: I want them to see that I am a good passer and I can get my teammates involved'that I can defend.
Quick hitters with Keldon Johnson
Q: If you weren't playing basketball what sport would you be playing and what position'
A: I would play football and be a quarterback.
Q: Is there a player in college or the NBA that you model your game after'
A: Carmello Anthony
Q: Who is your favorite team and player'
A: I like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chris Paul
Q: Do you have a pregame ritual or how do you spend that down time just prior to a game'
A: I take time to get my mind right for the game.
Q: When not playing basketball, what might we find Keldon Johnson doing for entertainment'
A: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and you'd probably find me playing 2K.
Q: What is your food and place to eat'
A: I like chicken and my favorite place to eat is Red Lobster
Q: What is your favorite movie or television show'
A: 'Like Mike' is my favorite movie.
Q: Who is your favorite person in American history and why'
A: Martin Luther King, Jr. and because he fought for justice for all humanity and for peace.
Q: What piece of advice would you offer up to younger kids who want to play basketball at a high level'
A: I would stress the need to remain focused on your goals and continue to work hard. Stay humble.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or saying'
A: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
Thank you for taking time out to bring our readers and your fans up close and personal. We wish you all the best in your future on and off the court.