Keyontae Johnson

Keyontae Johnson's Biography

Marrecus Keyontae Johnson, an American professional basketball player, was born on May 24, 2000. With roots planted in Norfolk, Virginia, Johnson’s love for basketball bloomed as a student at Norview High School. However, before completing his junior year, he transferred to IMG Academy located in Bradenton, Florida. A single whirlwind season later, he found himself at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, primarily influenced by the departure of his head coach, Vince Walden, to Arkansas State University.

As a high school senior, Johnson marked stellar performances at the Nike EYBL finals held at Peach Jam, averaging 12.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He also consistently scored upwards of 18 points in 19 of his final season’s games at the Oak Hill Academy. This impressive track record not only earned him a four-star rating by 247Sports and ESPN but also placed him within the top 100 recruits.

While receiving attention from multiple reputed institutions including Providence, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech, Johnson chose to commit to the University of Florida based on their offered scholarship. This move also trumped the offer made by Texas Tech University.

Johnson’s college freshman year in 2018 began with him in the reserve but swiftly transitioned into becoming the Gators’ starting small forward. His consistent performance throughout, averaging 8.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, cemented his position. Furthermore, his sophomore year saw the athlete average 14 points per game, earning him a spot on the first team All-SEC despite it being cut short due to a health scare.

A memorable career highlight during his time at Florida includes the 2019 SEC men’s basketball tournament where he averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds. This led the Gators to the tournament semifinal, with Johnson establishing a significant presence by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds in the opening round against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Despite soaring on the court successfully, Johnson faced a tragic incident in December of 2020, where he collapsed during a game against Florida State. He was immediately rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, assessed to be in critical yet stable condition, and placed in a medically induced coma. It was after three distressing days that he was transferred back to Gainesville for further treatment. By December 15, encouraging news was reported about his recovery, with Johnson being awake, speaking, and responding.

On January 5, 2022, Johnson entered the transfer portal, committing to Kansas State University on August 20, 2022. His stellar performance continued when he led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, alongside teammate Markquis Nowell. This led to Johnson being named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.

The defining moment of his career came when Johnson declared for the NBA Draft on April 24, 2023. Despite questions regarding his heart condition, Johnson was cleared for contact by the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel on May 26, 2023, propelling him further towards his ultimate dream of playing professionally.

His moment of elation arrived when Johnson was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft by Oklahoma City Thunder. His signing of a two-way contract hardly a month later on July 7 reasserted his stature as a basketball player. However, this journey underwent several pit-stops, one being his signing with the Charlotte Hornets on September 11, 2024, which unfortunately ended with him being waived on October 18. Johnson, undeterred by this setback, soon joined the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League.

Aside from his on-court pursuits, Johnson also made headlines in March 2022. The Alachua County court filed a complaint alleging Johnson of sexual assault. The court records later showed that the case was subsequently dropped as prosecutors agreed to dismiss the allegations.

Throughout his journey, Johnson’s determination, resilience, and passion for basketball have consistently steered him. From the high school courts of Norfolk, Virginia, to the professional arenas of the NBA G League, Johnson’s journey is a testament to his dedication to the sport.