Kansas State forward [autotag]Keyontae Johnson[/autotag] is headed to the NBA, but before he ever donned the Royal Purple he bled Orange and Blue.
Jonhson’s time as Florida Gator made national headlines for both good and bad reasons. The Preseason All-SEC Player of the Year heading into the 2020-21 season, Johnson was expected to be one of the very best to play at the O’Connell Center. He averaged 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game as a sophomore.
Unfortunately, Johnson collapsed on Dec. 12, 2020, against Florida State and remained in a medically induced coma for three days. At the time, playing professional basketball was an afterthought compared to the rehabilitation process Johnson would have to go to, but some 850 days later, he’s ready to take a shot at the pros.
Florida kept Johnson on the roster through the 2021-22 season. He made a ceremonial start against Kentucky and said farewell to the Florida faithful before moving to a college that would clear him to play basketball again.
— Keyontae (@Keyontae) April 23, 2023
Johnson shined at K-State. He was one of the top offensive threats in the Big 12 and averaged 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He also shot over 40% from the three-point line.
He was a critical piece of the Wildcats’ improbable NCAA Tournament runs and will likely be an early second-round pick over the summer. Johnson is still maintaining his collegiate eligibility, though. He could come back for another year of college ball to elevate his draft stock thanks to a medical redshirt rule.
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