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Keyontae Johnson makes ceremonial start on Florida’s senior day against Kentucky
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Keyontae Johnson made a surprise appearance in Florida’s regular-season finale against Kentucky. Johnson made a special ceremonial start on his Senior Day.
Johnson, who has been sidelined since December 2020, was out in uniform on the floor with UF and UK’s other starters for a ceremonial tip. He subbed out before the game officially began with a real tip. Nick de la Torre of On3 notes that the “ceremonial start” was coordinated by Florida and Kentucky ahead of the game.
#Gators F Keyontae Johnson starts, gets the opening tip-off, hugs everyone, kisses the floor, and exits 😭 pic.twitter.com/92xqiT0hcu
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) March 5, 2022
Heart and soul of the Gators. 🧡💙@Keyontae pic.twitter.com/srU0cEELxq
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) March 5, 2022
Johnson collapsed on the court at Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020. He was taken to the hospital in Tallahassee and eventually transferred to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Johnson was later diagnosed with a non-COVID heart issue, which sidelined him for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. He did not play in the 2021-22. Since leaving the hospital, Johnson has remained with the team, contributing as “Coach Key.”
Johnson was presented with the game ball after Florida’s win over FSU earlier this season in Gainesville. Ahead of the 2020 season, he was named preseason SEC Player of the Year.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
