Keyontae Johnson added another incredible chapter to his story with his alley-oop on Tuesday night.
Kansas State defeated Kansas 83-82 after Johnson scored with 24 seconds remaining in overtime on an alley-oop off a fantastic pass from guard Markquis Nowell. The stunning finish is the latest in Johnson’s remarkable journey.
He began his college career at Florida, and on Dec. 12, 2020, he collapsed during a game against Florida State before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He was diagnosed with a heart condition but made a full recovery and was released 10 days later. The Gators named him a ceremonial starter in the 2021-22 regular-season finale against Kentucky on March 5, 2022.
He entered the transfer portal in May and announced his decision to head to Kansas State in August. He returned to the court for the first time since being hospitalized in the Wildcats season opener on Nov. 7
Johnson returning was incredible enough; that he’s excelled during the 2022-23 season adds to the lore.
Against in-state rival Kansas, Johnson had 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
Including Tuesday’s game, he is averaging 18.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 55.2 percent shooting in 33.6 minutes per game this season. He’s a key reason why the Wildcats are a threat to win the Big 12, which emerged during the early portion of the season as the best conference in college basketball.
Six Big 12 schools rank in the Top 25 of this week Associated Press poll, most of any conference. Of all the good basketball on display in the Big 12, Tuesday night’s showdown between No. 2 Kansas (16-2, 5-1 in Big 12) and No. 13 Kansas State (16-2, 5-1 in Big 12) may have been the best. Johnson’s alley-oop was the cherry on top of a fantastic game.
Afterward, he was hailed online as being the “comeback player of the year” and being “the best story in college hoops.”
There’s a lot left to be written. Johnson’s authored a great story so far. The next chapter will likely be as good as the last.
