Keyontae Johnson kisses Billy Donovan Court after he started Saturday's game against Kentucky at Exactech Arena/O'Connell Center. (Photo: Hannah White/UAA Communications)
Keyontae's Goodbye Kiss On Emotional Senior Day
Saturday, March 5, 2022 | Men's Basketball, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Keyontae Johnson's return to the starting lineup elevated emotions on Senior Day for the Gators as they hosted seventh-ranked Kentucky on Saturday afternoon.
Johnson was introduced in the starting lineup and then took the court for the opening tip. Teammate Colin Castleton tipped the ball to Johnson, who secured it before play was stopped.
Before exiting, Johnson kissed Billy Donovan Court as the crowd stood and cheered. Johnson's college career ended after he collapsed during a game at Florida State in December 2020, stricken with a heart ailment.
Following a 10-day stay in Tallahassee and Gainesville hospitals, Johnson returned to the team in a player/coach capacity and has remained in that role the last two seasons.
Technically, Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining, but his basketball-playing future (wherever or whatever that might be) is something he and his family continue to weigh. He was the Southeastern Conference's Preseason Player of the Year heading into the 2020-21 season.
As Johnson departed the court Saturday afternoon, he hugged Kentucky coach John Calipari and then went down Florida's bench hugging head coach Mike White, teammates, assistant coaches and staff.
In the stands adjacent to Florida's bench, Nika and Marrecus Johnson applauded their son with watery eyes.
Keyontae then disappeared from view and returned to the locker room to change back into street clothes.
Johnson was introduced in the starting lineup and then took the court for the opening tip. Teammate Colin Castleton tipped the ball to Johnson, who secured it before play was stopped.
Heart and soul of the Gators. 🧡💙@Keyontae pic.twitter.com/srU0cEELxq
— Florida Gators Men's Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 5, 2022
Before exiting, Johnson kissed Billy Donovan Court as the crowd stood and cheered. Johnson's college career ended after he collapsed during a game at Florida State in December 2020, stricken with a heart ailment.
Following a 10-day stay in Tallahassee and Gainesville hospitals, Johnson returned to the team in a player/coach capacity and has remained in that role the last two seasons.
Technically, Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining, but his basketball-playing future (wherever or whatever that might be) is something he and his family continue to weigh. He was the Southeastern Conference's Preseason Player of the Year heading into the 2020-21 season.
As Johnson departed the court Saturday afternoon, he hugged Kentucky coach John Calipari and then went down Florida's bench hugging head coach Mike White, teammates, assistant coaches and staff.
In the stands adjacent to Florida's bench, Nika and Marrecus Johnson applauded their son with watery eyes.
Keyontae then disappeared from view and returned to the locker room to change back into street clothes.
A moment to be remembered forever 🧡💙
— Florida Gators Men's Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 5, 2022
Thankful for you @Keyontae and can't wait to see the big things you do 🐊 pic.twitter.com/sAMppVeQX0
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