UK signee Keldon Johnson scores 21 points on ESPNU, turns heads nationally

by:Jack Pilgrim01/15/18
Kentucky signee Immanuel Quickley impressed in the Hoophall Classic earlier today, dropping 19 points and five rebounds in a tough loss. Immediately after, five-star Oak Hill forward and Kentucky signee Keldon Johnson managed to also put on a show, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on the day. With his team's victory, No. 2 Oak Hill moves to 25-0 on the year, with Johnson being a massive reason for that. Though his performance was stellar, the national attention Johnson received after the game was even more impressive. Scrolling through Twitter after the game, countless media members and basketball analysts raved about Johnson's game, saying his competitiveness and will to win is second to none. https://twitter.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/952976217094934528 https://twitter.com/TWalkerRivals/status/953015993261023232 https://twitter.com/ebosshoops/status/953007432413925377 https://twitter.com/iamCoachGrubbs/status/953018793449656321 https://twitter.com/lynden_o/status/953013656182312961 During a halftime interview, Johnson was asked what separates his game from the rest of the nation. His response? "I'm a dog. I do whatever it takes for my team to win." In an interview with Tom Westerholm of MassLive.com, Johnson said things are starting to click for him, and when he gets going, it's going to be a problem for the rest of the nation. "I think the sky's the limit for my game generally, because once I get going, everything gets going," Johnson said. "My shot, getting to the basket, getting to the free-throw line, getting my teammates involved. Once I get going, it's really a problem." Johnson's jump shot has always been the biggest knock on his game, but now, he has developed into a consistent threat from both mid-range and beyond the arc. He said if he continues to work on that and build up muscle, he'll be ready to be a big contributor for the Wildcats next season. "I hit the mid-range pretty consistently when I shoot it," Johnson said. "I just think spot-up threes, I really improved on that this year. I'm just working. Keep working hard on my body, and I think I'll be ready for that." Check out his game highlights, and his sit-down interview with ESPN's Paul Biancardi where he talked about his work ethic and how excited he is to play for John Calipari at Kentucky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=aixHW7N_I1Y Not enough highlights for you? Check out Johnson's MVP performance at the Chic-Fil-A Classic two weeks ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqVWjE3gd4k This kid is going to be good. Go Big Blue.

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