WVU Basketball

5th-Year Spotlight: Kedrian Johnson Stayed Loyal to West Virginia

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2023

Kedrian Johnson got the start Saturday against TCU, (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

WVU G Kedrian Johnson has played the last three seasons at West Virginia. Johnson is the only player in West Virginia’s program that can say that.

Johnson’s career at West Virginia is closest to a traditional college basketball developmental system. In his junior season, the 6-foot-1 guard sat behind Miles McBride and Jordan McCabe on the depth chart. Johnson came into games and gave good defensive energy on the floor. Last season included Johnson receiving starting minutes for the first time. Now in his third and final year with WVU, Johnson has taken a role as one of the top scorers.

The Dallas native is averaging 10.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals through 29 games. Johnson has helped set West Virginia up in a good position to make the NCAA Tournament, potentially the second of his career.

Johnson had the option to leave after last season, he could’ve transferred with no penalty. Johnson, as well as just four other teammates, decided to stick it out with West Virginia and it’s paying off.

For Johnson, it’s all about loyalty.

“When I needed them, they were there for me. I saw all the guys left and I was like I’m not going to be like one of those guys,” Johnson said. “Loyalty is a lot and they were loyal to me.”

By staying at WVU, Johnson helped the quick turnaround attempt as best as he could. Johnson was joined by four new teammates in the starting five, one former Mountaineer Emmitt Matthews. Johnson’s scoring increased from last season as his shot creating improved. The fifth-year senior currently leads the team in free throw shooting as well, something West Virginia hasn’t been entirely consistent with this season. Johnson has came up big for West Virginia, posting four 20-plus-point performances in conference play.

Johnson will walk into the WVU Coliseum for the final time for Senior Day against No. 11 Kansas State on Saturday. One thing West Virginia fans should remember about Keddy Johnson is the effort and loyalty dedicated during his three years in Morgantown.