Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson officially entered the transfer portal Sunday. Johnson played his last game on Dec. 12, 2020, when he collapsed in a road matchup against in-state rival Florida State.
The former four-star recruit from IMG Academy was the 2020-21 Preseason Player of the Year. As a Gator, Johnson averaged 14 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his sophomore season, earning himself All-SEC Honors.
The following year, Johnson only played in four games, averaging 16 points including a 24-point and 12-rebound performance against Boston College.
Despite some medical issues, the former forward now looks to continue his playing career at another university.
Johnson punched his ticket into the NCAA Transfer Portal moments before the May 1st deadline.
Within the first few minutes of the team’s rivalry matchup with the Seminoles, Johnson collapsed on the court. Since then, Johnson has taken on a player-coach role as “Coach Key” under former Florida head coach Mike White.
Fortunately, White and the Gators still opened a scholarship roster spot for Johnson even though the possibility of ever returning to play for Gator fans again was unlikely. Still being close to the team, Johnson's last moments on the hardwood were spent on senior night against Kentucky.
Although the Gators were defeated 71-63, the evening was captured by a celebratory moment for Johnson. Both teams arranged so that Johnson could be in the starting lineup. Johnson received the opening as he received a loud ovation before kissing the floor.
Now, with White’s departure to Georgia, Johnson's future in Gainesville became uncertain.
With newly hired coach Todd Golden taking the helm, Johnson’s time at Florida came to a close.
Golden has already brought in some highly sought-after transfers. Alex Fudge, Will Richard and Trey Bingham round-out Golden’s offseason commitments and Johnson’s uncertain medical status still became an issue.
Johnson joins Tyree Appleby, Elijah Kennedy and Tuongthach Gatkek as former recruits under White who have entered the transfer portal.
Johnson ends his Gator career with 13 double-doubles but still faces legal troubles which surfaced over a month ago. The 22 year old was recently accused of sexual assualt, first reported by WUFT News.
His attorney believes no charges will be filed as the investigation is still ongoing.
However, expect Johnson’s name and future status to become a constant topic for teams during the offseason.
Contact Curtis Michaud at cmichaud@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @CurtisMichaud1
Curtis Michaud is a fourth-year student at the University of Florida within the College of Journalism and Communications. He specializes in sports and media and would like to continue to provide authentic, thorough, and engaging sport content for all readers. He is an enterprise reporter and lacrosse and track and field writer for The Alligator.
