BIOGRAPHY
Keyontae Johnson was born May 24, 2000, in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a forward in the NBA.
In 2018, Johnson began his true freshman season as a key reserve, and eventually became the Gators' starting small forward going into the team's game against Georgia. He started the final 20 games of the season, and finished the season with 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Johnson averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds during the 2019 SEC men's basketball tournament, as the Gators went to the tournament semifinal. He scored 20 points and 12 rebounds in the opening round against Arkansas, a double-double.
On February 26, 2020, Johnson scored a career-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds in an 81–66 win against LSU. As a sophomore, he averaged 14 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game and was named first team All-SEC.
On December 12, 2020, Johnson collapsed on the court in a game at Florida State. When he arrived at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, doctors assessed him to be in critical, but stable condition. After three days in a medically induced coma at Tallahassee Memorial, Johnson was taken back to Gainesville, Florida for further treatment. On December 15, it was reported that he was awake, speaking, and responding to commands. On December 28, head coach Mike White announced that Johnson had rejoined the team as a coach.
Johnson was announced as the honorary starter on Senior Day against Kentucky on March 5, 2022, and received a standing ovation. On May 1, he entered the transfer portal.
On August 20, 2022, Johnson committed to Kansas State. Johnson was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and joined teammate Markquis Nowell on the First Team All-Big 12. Along with Nowell, Johnson led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
On April 24, 2023, Johnson officially declared for the NBA Draft. With his heart issues, Johnson still needed to be cleared for contact by the NBA and did not participate in the physical components of the NBA Draft Combine. However, after being cleared by the NBA's Fitness to Play panel on May 26, 2023, Johnson officially kept his name in the NBA Draft and began working out for teams. He would be drafted by the OKC Thunder in the second round.
