Gators Keyontae Johnson Will Return for Senior Season

Florida forward Keyontae Johnson, who collapsed during a Gators basketball game in December, announced he isn't declaring for the NBA Draft and plans to return for his senior season with the Gators.

Johnson said in an announcement posted to social media that he is waiting on medical clearance and plans to play in a Gators uniform next season.

Johnson collapsed and fell face-first as he headed back onto the court following a timeout in a game at Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020. He was taken off the court on a stretcher and rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, OutKick's Sam Amico previously reported.

Johnson was named preseason SEC Player of the Year ahead of last season.

"It is extremely touching and very much appreciated to have the support of Gator Nation and the world standing by my side." Johnson said. "I am progressing and steadily making progress daily in my health. I am patiently waiting on medical clearance. While speaking with my family, doctors, coaches, and athletic trainer, I've decided not to enter my name into the 2021 NBA Draft."

Johnson returned to the court in a coaching capacity less than a month after the collapse. His collapse was determined not to be COVID-19 related. He did, however, test positive for COVID the summer before the start of last season.

The forward has averaged 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in 71 games at Florida, totaling 789 points and 468 rebounds. He has also tallied 13 career double-doubles and eight 20-point games, including four 20-point and 10-rebound double-doubles.

He earned All-SEC honors his sophomore season after leading the Gators with 14.0 points per game.

Johnson was one of the top athletes in the 2018 recruiting class, measuring a 41.5” vertical leap when he arrived in Gainesville, per his bio. He was rated a four-star prospect and a member of the ESPN 100 out of high school.

In four games last season, Johnson averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds while shooting 64.1 percent from the floor.