Ok-State’s Keyontae Johnson Thriving 2 Years After Collapse

NEW YORK (AP) — Florida Atlantic coach Dusty Could had a tough time holding his feelings in examine as he spoke about Kansas State ahead Keyontae Johnson.

Could’s near-tears had nothing to do with making ready his Owls (34-3) to face Johnson and the Wildcats (26-9) within the East Area last on Saturday night time at Madison Sq. Backyard with a visit to the Remaining 4 on the road.

Johnson is a particular particular person to Could and his household.

As an assistant coach at Florida, Could recruited Johnson, met his household and performed a serious half in getting him to affix the Gators. Could ended up leaving for the FAU job for the 2018-19 season.

Two yr later, Johnson’s life modified. Throughout a sport towards Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020, he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, the place he spent three days in a medically induced coma. He sat out the remainder of that season and all the subsequent, then transferred to Kansas State, the place he started taking part in once more this fall and have become probably the most vital gamers on a group that reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Event.

The third-seeded Wildcats obtained there with a 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State on Thursday night time, with Johnson scoring 22 factors and getting the go-ahead basket on a reverse dunk after taking an alley-oop cross from Markquis Nowell.

Throughout the sport, Could stated Johnson had seen his household among the many 19,624 followers within the crowd and smiled at them.

“I stated, ‘Why wouldn’t he be cherishing each second with what he’s been by means of!’” Could stated. “To return again and play this sport on this stage, there’s no different method however embracing and having fun with each single second. And he’s clearly doing that.”

Johnson stated he spoke with not less than three docs when he thought-about returning to basketball. Two of them stated he may play.

“So I simply went with what the 2 docs stated and trusted in God and trusted my religion simply with all the pieces,” he stated Friday after follow. “Simply my circle stored me optimistic and simply stored me in an uplifted temper, and it simply obtained me by means of lots.”

On the courtroom, Johnson — who’s averaging team-highs of 17.4 factors and 6.9 rebounds — appears to be having a blast.

“I simply all the time attempt to hold a optimistic vitality round me, all the time let the fellows see I’m joyful,” Johnson stated. “I can’t be blessed sufficient to be right here, so simply making an attempt to get pleasure from life, benefit from the second.”

Johnson nonetheless had some issues about his well being when he began practising once more final summer season. However as he ramped up his work, his stress ranges eased and his belief in his docs grew.

The one particular person frightened at that time was first-year Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who stated Johnson had promised a solution about whether or not he deliberate be part of the Wildcats earlier than the employees took a summer season break.

Johnson then took a late go to to Nebraska and did not determine to attend the varsity in Manhattan, Kansas, till simply earlier than the beginning of the yr.

Johnson stated his return serves as motivation for folks seeking to overcome adversity.

“I don’t actually give it some thought, I simply go on the market and play,” Johnson stated. “Every thing occurs for a purpose, however I’ve simply obtained my religion in God and I do know he’s going to paved the way and never fail me.”

Johnson may apply for a medical redshirt that might give him one other season at Kansas State, however he may additionally select to go to the NBA.

“Basketball was virtually taken away from me,” he stated, “so I’m going on the market to have enjoyable and present my teammates the love and pleasure that I’ve for them.”

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