Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson reacts after a dunk in overtime of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Former Gator Keyontae Johnson Shines With Kansas State In March

On Thursday night, Former Florida Gator Forward Keyontae Johnson led Kansas State to win over #7 seed Michigan State.

Johnson scored 22 points, adding six rebounds and one assist in the win. Johnson scored with 58 seconds left to put the Wildcats up by two in overtime which ultimately ended up being the game winner, not allowing the Spartans to make a run.

Florida

As a true freshman Johnson started off in a key reserve role earning a starting spot as the teams small forward. Johnson finished his freshman season scoring 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assist per game. Johnson averaged 13.7 during the SEC tournament. Keyontae then went on to average 14 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 assist as a sophomore.

In December of 2020, Johnson collapsed in a game against Florida State due to a heart condition. He was placed into a medically induced coma before being transferred back to Gainesville for further testing and medical attention. Johnson was not cleared by University of Florida medical staff causing him to enter the portal on May 1st.

He was named an honorary starter for the Gators senior day against the Kentucky Wildcats last season before heading to Manhattan, Kansas.

Keyontae Johnson With Kansas State

August 20th, Johnson committed to the Wildcats.

In his first season with Kansas State, he leads the team averaging 17.7 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game and 2.2 assist.

He has been named Big 12 Newcomer of the year as well as being named First Team All-Big 12 with teammate Markquis Nowell.

https://twitter.com/KStateMBB/status/1639068167925366786?cxt=HHwWhIC8_ZD0kb8tAAAA

Against Michigan State, Johnson shot 55% from the field going 10-18 with 1 three-pointer and a free throw in a game the Spartans couldn’t find a way to stop him. Johnson looks to take the Wildcats to their first Final Four since the 1964 season.

Johnson talked about how he is trying to make the most out of his second chance on the court.

Kansas State faces off against the Cinderella story Florida Atlantic Owls with a trip to Houston on the line. Game tips off Saturday at 6:10 on TBS.

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