Florida star Keyontae Johnson is in stable condition after collapsing on the court Saturday in the first half of the Gators' game against No. 20 Florida State. He is in stable condition but is breathing on his own and even speaking, a positive bit of news after reportedly being placed in a medically induced coma earlier in the week.
"Keyontae is in stable condition today, breathing on his own and speaking with us and with his doctors here at UF Health," his parents, Nika and Marrecus Johnson, said in a statement through Florida. "He even FaceTimed the team! We feel so much love and support from everyone, and we're beyond grateful for the care and attention that Keyontae has received throughout these past several days."
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 15, 2020
On Monday, Florida canceled its Wednesday night home game scheduled to be played against North Florida, sources told CBS Sports' Matt Norlander. The game will not be made up this season. Florida's next scheduled game is Saturday at home vs. Florida Atlantic. As of Monday evening, that game remains on the schedule, with decisions on whether or not to play it coming later this week.
Johnson's collapse came early in the first half of the game coming out of a timeout. He was seen walking to midcourt and then fainted, falling headfirst into the hardwood floor. Just prior to the timeout, he had finished an alley-oop with force that gave the Gators an 11-3 advantage. It remains unclear what caused him to collapse.
"We appreciate all the medical personnel who have helped Keyontae," said Scott Stricklin, Florida's athletic director. "Keyontae received terrific care on site by the FSU staff and at Tallahassee Memorial, which has worked in consultation with UF Health. We're glad his parents can be by his side, and they feel the support of Gator Nation."
The game continued as planned despite Florida players in clear distress over the status of their star teammate, and the Seminoles went on to win 83-71.
"I told our staff I was going to let them make that decision," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said after the game about the decision to call the game or keep playing. "It was totally up to them and whatever they thought was in the best interest of their team, then I would accept it and act accordingly. Our administration asked me, I just told them I would be OK with whatever they decided. It's my understanding that they wanted to play."
Florida coach Mike White opted not to address the media in his normal postgame press conference Saturday, and instead of returning to Gainesville with the team, he stayed in Tallahassee to be with Johnson in the hospital. White tweeted the following message after the game "Please keep praying for @Keyontae and his family. We all love him."
Florida shared info on how fans can send well wishes to Johnson and his family.
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) December 15, 2020
Players, teams and coaches from across the country all offered Johnson their support, ranging from Auburn's Bruce Pearl and Texas Tech's Chris Beard to UCLA's Shareef O'Neal and Florida State's own account.
🙏 for Keyontae pic.twitter.com/2q4IcN5rDw
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) December 12, 2020
Everyone please pray for Florida’s Keyontae Johnson, one of the best young men and families I’ve ever recruited. Please pray. @Keyontae pic.twitter.com/IJG7dIEIJZ
— Chris Beard (@CoachBeardTTU) December 12, 2020
Final 𝗙𝗦𝗨 83 𝗨𝗙 71
— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) December 12, 2020
🙏Praying for Keyontae 🙏
Johnson was named SEC Preseason Player of the Year after opting to put the NBA on hold in a bid for a big junior season at Florida. He averaged 14.0 points and 7.1 boards per game last season and through three games this season ranks fourth among all SEC players in points per game at 19.7.