Kristian Ferrell
On December 12, 2020, during a game against Florida State, American basketball player Keyontae Johnson suffered a sudden collapse and was rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in critical but stable condition. After spending three days in a medically induced coma, Johnson was transferred to Gainesville, Florida, for further treatment. This incident marked a turning point in Johnson's basketball career, as he faced a lengthy recovery process and questions about his future in the sport. Johnson, a promising player known for his impressive statistics and awards, had to overcome significant health challenges before resuming his basketball journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marrecus Keyontae Johnson |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 2000 |
| Parents | Marrecus and Sharnika Johnson |
| Siblings | Brianna, Ebony and Zimarya |
| Nicknames | Red, KeyDaKid |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in Education Sciences from Florida |
| Teams | Greensboro Swarm, Florida Gators, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets |
| Position | Forward |
| Collapse | December 12, 2020 |
| Draft | Second round of the 2023 NBA draft |
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What You'll Learn
Collapse during a game in 2020
On December 12, 2020, Keyontae Johnson suffered a collapse on the court during a game between Florida and Florida State. Johnson, representing the Florida Gators, was in his junior season at the time. The incident occurred suddenly, and Johnson was subsequently transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Doctors placed him in a medically induced coma for three days before transferring him to Gainesville, Florida, for further treatment. Fortunately, by December 15, Johnson was awake, responsive, and able to speak and follow commands.
This health scare understandably sidelined Johnson for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. However, his recovery and return to basketball have been described as inspiring. After his collapse, Johnson received a bachelor's degree in Education Sciences from the University of Florida in the spring of 2022. He then played his fourth season of college basketball at Kansas State University during the 2022-23 season.
Johnson's health scare raised concerns about his future in basketball. However, he defied the odds and continued his basketball career. In 2022, he participated in the G League Showcase with the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Johnson officially signed a two-way contract with the Thunder on July 7, 2023, after being drafted by them in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft.
Johnson's journey back to basketball after his collapse has been remarkable. He has proven his resilience and determination, becoming an inspiration to many. Johnson's story demonstrates the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. His successful return to the court has been a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
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Three days in a medically induced coma
On December 12, 2020, during a game against Florida State, Marrecus Keyontae Johnson, an American basketball player, collapsed on the court. He was rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where doctors assessed his condition as critical but stable. Johnson was then placed in a medically induced coma for three days.
Johnson's sudden collapse shocked the sports world and raised concerns about his health and future in basketball. During those three days in a coma, Johnson's family, teammates, and fans anxiously awaited any updates on his condition. It was a difficult and emotional time for those close to him, as they dealt with the uncertainty of the situation.
Johnson's doctors and medical team carefully monitored his condition during the coma, making sure his vital functions were stable and that he was receiving the necessary treatment. The decision to induce a coma was made to give his body time to recover and stabilize after the collapse. This period was crucial for his recovery, as it allowed his brain and other organs to rest and heal.
After the three days, Johnson was taken out of the coma and transferred to Gainesville, Florida, for further treatment and rehabilitation. On December 15, just three days after his collapse, there was positive news: Johnson had awakened and was speaking and responding to commands. This marked a significant turning point in his recovery and gave hope to those who had been worried about him.
The exact details of Johnson's medical condition and the specific reasons for inducing the coma have not been publicly disclosed, but it is believed that the swift actions of the medical team and the induced coma played a crucial role in his recovery. Johnson's health improved, and he was able to take the first steps towards rehabilitation and, eventually, a potential return to basketball. Johnson's resilience and the support he received during those three days in a coma set the foundation for his journey back to health and, eventually, back to the basketball court.
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NBA draft entry in 2023
Marrecus Keyontae Johnson, born on May 24, 2020, is an American basketball player who entered the NBA draft in 2023. Johnson played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats and Florida Gators. He was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and joined teammate Markquis Nowell on the First Team All-Big 12. Johnson led Kansas State to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
On April 24, 2023, Johnson declared for the NBA draft. Due to his heart issues, he did not participate in the physical components of the NBA Draft Combine. However, after being cleared by the NBA's Fitness to Play panel on May 26, 2023, he kept his name in the draft. Johnson was eventually drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 22, 2023, and signed a two-way contract.
The 2023 NBA draft was held on June 22, with San Antonio winning the lottery for the third time. The draft is conducted under eligibility rules established in the league's 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its players' union. All drafted players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft, and players eligible for the 2023 draft must have been born on or before December 31, 2004.
The NBA draft combine, the primary portion of which was held from May 15-21 in Chicago, Illinois, is an important part of the draft process. The combine allows players to showcase their skills and undergo evaluations by NBA teams. The NBA draft lottery, which determines the order of picks for the teams, was held on May 16, 2023.
The 2023 NBA draft had several notable moments and trades. Victor Wembanyama was the No. 1 overall pick, selected by the San Antonio Spurs. Gradey Dick, the No. 13 overall pick, stood out with his fashionable suit choice. Other notable picks included Scoot Henderson at No. 3 and Anthony Black, selected by the Orlando Magic.
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Signed with the Charlotte Hornets
Marrecus Keyontae Johnson, born on May 24, 2020, is an American basketball player who signed with the Charlotte Hornets on September 11, 2024. Johnson played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats and Florida Gators and entered the NBA draft in 2023.
Johnson was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft and signed a two-way contract with them on July 7, 2023. During his time with the Thunder, Johnson made nine regular-season NBA appearances as a rookie and spent time with their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
On September 11, 2024, Johnson signed a contract with the Charlotte Hornets. He joined the team on a non-guaranteed pact, looking to earn a role during training camp. Johnson's time with the Hornets was short-lived, as he was waived on October 18, 2024.
During his brief stint with the Hornets, Johnson impressed with his performance in the Summer League. In a game against Dallas, he generated 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and a block across 30 minutes, contributing to the Hornets' victory. Johnson's performance in the Summer League showcased his potential and determination to establish himself in the NBA.
Following his release from the Hornets, Johnson joined the Greensboro Swarm of the G League, continuing his basketball journey and working towards securing a permanent spot in the NBA. Johnson's resilience and dedication to the sport have been notable throughout his career, especially considering the challenges he faced after experiencing a health scare during a game in December 2020.
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Waived by the Hornets
Marrecus Keyontae Johnson, born on May 24, 2020, is an American basketball player who rose to prominence playing for the Florida Gators in college. Johnson was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, committing to Florida over other offers. He had a standout career at Florida, averaging 13.7 points and 10 rebounds during the 2019 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament and being named first-team All-SEC as a sophomore.
On December 12, 2020, Johnson suffered a sudden collapse during a game against Florida State, which resulted in him being hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He was placed in a medically-induced coma for three days before being transferred to Gainesville, Florida, for further treatment. This incident sidelined him for the remainder of his junior season.
After recovering from his health scare, Johnson transferred to Kansas State for his senior season of college basketball in 2022-23. He had a successful season, being named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and helping lead Kansas State to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Johnson then declared for the NBA draft and was selected in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, signing a two-way contract.
During his time with the Thunder, Johnson split time between the NBA and the G League, playing for the Oklahoma City Blue. On September 11, 2024, Johnson signed with the Charlotte Hornets but was waived by the team just over a month later, on October 18. Despite this setback, Johnson has continued to pursue his NBA dreams, currently playing for the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League as of 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Marrecus Keyontae Johnson is an American professional basketball player born on May 24, 2000. He played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats and Florida Gators and currently plays for the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League.
On December 12, 2020, Johnson experienced a medical emergency, collapsing on the court during a game against Florida State. He was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was in critical but stable condition. Johnson was in a medically induced coma for three days before being transferred to Gainesville, Florida, for further treatment.
Yes, Johnson recovered and was reported to be awake, speaking, and responding to commands on December 15, 2020, just three days after his collapse. He returned to the court on November 8, 2022, and had a successful season with Kansas State in 2022-2023.
Yes, Johnson entered the NBA Draft in 2023 after his season with Kansas State. He was drafted in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed a two-way contract with them. Johnson later signed with the Charlotte Hornets but was waived, and he is now playing for the Greensboro Swarm in the G League.
Johnson had a successful college basketball career before his collapse. He averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds during the 2019 SEC men's basketball tournament and was named first-team All-SEC as a sophomore. He also led the Florida Gators to the tournament semifinal. Johnson was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN, which also ranked him as a top 100 recruit.
