Florida Gators Star Keyontae Johnson Collapses On Court, In Critical But Stable Condition

Topline

Keyontae Johnson, a star forward on the University of Florida basketball team, collapsed in the first half of Saturday’s game against the Florida State Seminoles and was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition, according to a team spokesperson.

Key Facts

Key Background:

Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 231-pound small forward, is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Oak Hill Academy, blessed with jaw-dropping athleticism (as evidenced by his 41-inch vertical leap). Last season, as a sophomore, Johnson averaged 14 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Gators. He considered entering the 2020 NBA draft but decided to return for his junior campaign. Last month, Johnson was named the SEC conference’s Preseason Player of the Year. He was also named to the Julius Erving Award preseason watch list, awarded annually to men’s college basketball’s top small forward. Through Florida’s first three games in 2020-21, Johnson led the team in scoring (19.7 points per game) and rebounding (6.0). 

Tangent:

Johnson reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 over the summer. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf reports that “although the cause of Johnson’s ailment was not immediately known, the coronavirus can lead to myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart muscle.”

Crucial Quote: 

“I can’t wait to get back and play with my brothers again next season! We’ve got unfinished business & the Gators will be ready to go,” Johnson tweeted in April when he announced his decision to return to Florida for another season. “I’m excited to keep growing on and off the court with Coach White and our coaching staff here & keep playing in front of the gator family.”

Further Reading:

Florida Gators hoops star Keyontae Johnson in critical but stable condition after collapsing on court (CNN)