Author: Monojit Mandal
Kansas State guard/forward Keyontae Johnson has been cleared to participate in the 2023 NBA draft, according to Priority Sports representatives Mark Bartelstein and Ross Aroyo. Johnson was cleared to be chosen in the upcoming June draft by the NBA’s Fitness to Play court. The league office sent a statement to all NBA clubs on Friday afternoon with this information. Johnson can now start traveling and trying out for potential teams, as he has received permission.
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The terrifying event took place in December 2020, when the 23-year-old, who had previously played for the Florida Gators, collapsed during a game against Florida State. He was identified as having a heart condition after three days in a surgically induced coma. He was later transferred to Kansas State after receiving medical clearance to return to the court. He had a spectacular season there, winning the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year award for 2023.
Johnson made one last ceremonial appearance for the Gators in March 2022, fifteen months after his fall, before using the transfer portal to join Kansas State for the current campaign. He contributed significantly to the team’s success, averaging 17.4 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game as the team advanced to the Elite-Eight of the NCAA tournament.
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Johnson, who was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 24, 2000, attended Oak Hill Academy, where he was a McDonald’s All-American and a five-star recruit. In 2018, he committed to play basketball for the University of Florida. Johnson was selected to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) freshman team in his first season, after showing his skills with averages of 10.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. With a stellar sophomore campaign that saw him average 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, he was then named to the All-SEC first team.
Johnson, who is known for his adaptability, is adept at scoring goals, grabbing rebounds and playing defense. He is an excellent shooter, both inside and outside the arc, and also shows strong defensive and passing skills. Johnson has established himself as a viable big man prospect as his final year approaches, and NBA organizations are now eagerly evaluating his skills and possible contributions in the workplace.