Florida basketball player still in critical but stable condition after collapsing during game
The school announced Sunday morning that Johnson, the SEC’s preseason player of the year, remained in critical but stable condition.
“We appreciate all the medical personnel who have helped Keyontae,” Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said in a statement. “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 all feel the support of Gator Nation.”
Officials sent both teams to the locker room to regroup after Johnson was taken to the locker room on a stretcher, a frightening sight that left teammates Noah Locke and Scottie Lewis in tears. Florida State Coach Leonard Hamilton said several of his players cried before taking a knee to pray.
“I did not see what happened, but it had a real dramatic effect on my team,” he said. “If it affected our players in an emotional way, I can imagine what the situation was with his teammates.”
The game continued moments later, after Florida opted to continue. “I told our staff I was going to let them make that decision,” Hamilton said. “… It was totally up to them and whatever they thought was in the best interest of their team.”
Florida canceled its postgame news conference, citing no additional update on Johnson’s condition, after its 83-71 loss.
Johnson’s teammate Tre Mann tweeted, “I know you’re fighting bro God got you.”
The sight of Johnson collapsing resonated throughout college basketball. Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl gathered players after practice and asked them to join an assistant in prayer. “I believe in the power of prayer,” Pearl said, “I think God’s got to hear our voices right now.”
Arkansas Coach Eric Musselman gathered his players as well.
Johnson, a 6-foot-5 junior, averaged a team-high 14 points last season to go along with 7.1 rebounds. He also led the Gators with 38 steals. He scored five points in four minutes Saturday. Wizards guard Bradley Beal, who played at Florida, offered his support on Twitter.
Gators football Coach Dan Mullen said after Florida’s 37-34 loss to LSU that the teams thoughts were with Johnson and the basketball players. “It shows you that it’s a lot more than just games out there.”
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