Keldon Johnson qualifies as something of a Richmond area hometown person headed to the NBA, even though his name may be unfamiliar to many.

After one sparkling season at the University of Kentucky, Johnson was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA draft on June 20 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the 29th overall pick in the draft.

And while he grew up in South Hill, Va., there are strong local connections.

The son of Christopher and Rochelle Johnson was born Oct. 11, 1999, at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond. His maternal grandparents, Alfred and Cynthia Winston, are longtime residents of Henrico County.

Johnson spent many of his summer vacations with his grand- parents and playing travel AAU basketball with Team Loaded and the Virginia Squires.

A 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing forward, Johnson played his freshman and sophomore high school seasons at Park View High in South Hill, his junior season at Huntington Prep in West Virginia and his senior year at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia’s Grayson County.

Among the nation’s most heavily recruited prospects, Johnson signed with Kentucky Coach John Calipari and became an instant starter. He made the Southeastern Conference All-Rookie team, while averaging 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. He hit 38 percent of his shots beyond the arc.

He will start his pro career this summer in the NBA Sum- mer Leagues in Utah and Las Vegas. His rookie salary will be about $1.9 million.

Johnson was one of three Wildcats chosen in the first round. The others are P.J. Washington, picked 12th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, and Tyler Herro, picked 13th overall by the Miami Heat.

Johnson’s older brothers and younger sister all have athletic credentials.

The eldest, Kyle, starred in basketball at Park View High School, and Kaleb just finished his career at Georgetown University, while 16-year-old Kristyn excels in volleyball and basketball.