K-State F Keyontae Johnson Medically Cleared to Enter NBA Draft
Kansas State Wildcats forward Keyontae Johnson has officially been medically cleared to be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft by the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel.
Johnson had one of the most triumphant returns in college basketball history last season after suffering a scary injury in the 2020 season, which saw the NBA prospect collapse on the court and go into a medically induced coma for three days. When Johnson woke up from his coma, his team of doctors revealed that he had won the fight of his life against what many call an “athlete’s heart.”
Johnson completed his comeback to college basketball in the 2022-23 with Jerome Tang and the Kansas State Wildcats, and after earning both Third-Team All-American Honors and First-Team All-Big 12 Honors, Johnson declared for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligability.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Johnson had been officially cleared to play in the NBA on Friday afternoon, more than likely solidifying Johnson’s decision to stay in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Johnson’s game is tailored for the Modern NBA as the the 6-foot-6 forward is a physical force unlike many others in the country, yet also has the ability to shoot the ball at a high level. Last season, Johnson averaged 17.4 PPG on 51.6% shooting from the field, including an impressive 40.5% from 3-point range, and 71.5% from the free throw line. On top of his scoring, Johnson also lead the team with 6.8 RPG, paired with 2.1 APG in 34.1 minutes per game.
Johnson enters the NBA Draft as one of the most productive players in K-State history, and after leading the Wildcats to the Elite 8 alongside fellow NBA prospect Markquis Nowell, Johnson has a chance to hear his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft in June.
