Florida Gators striker Keyontae Johnson, admitted after collapsing during a game in December, said Wednesday he will not enter the 2021 NBA draft and is awaiting medical permission to return to the team next season.
“I’m progressing and constantly progressing daily in my health,” Johnson said in a post on Twitter. “I am patiently waiting for medical permission.
“… I intend to keep working to prepare for next season. My story is still written and led by God! Wow Gators!”
Johnson was rushed to a local hospital on Dec. 12 after falling face-to-face in court after a timeout in the first half of a game against the state of Florida in Tallahassee. He appeared in critical but stable condition before being taken to a Gainesville hospital days later with his mother by his side, and he slowly recovered and began communicating with his family and friends in the following days.
The cause of his collapse has not yet been revealed, but his family said he had no relationship with COVID-19. Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 last summer.
“Thank you for the prayers and concerns you have all shown during these months of trying,” Johnson wrote in his message. “It’s extremely touching and very grateful to have the support of Gator Nation and the world by my side.”
At the time of his collapse, Johnson was averaging 19.5 points per game and was projected as a first-round prospect for the NBA draft.