Kansas State standout Keyontae Johnson enters NBA draft

Kansas State star forward Keyontae Johnson announced that he is declaring for the NBA draft Sunday night.

Johnson said he will retain his college eligibility in case he decides to later withdraw from the draft.

Johnson made his announcement just hours before Sunday's deadline to enter the draft.

Johnson averaged 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 36 games (all starts) this season in his first campaign with the Wildcats. He was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and earned third-team All-American honors after helping Kansas State reach the Elite Eight before the Wildcats lost to Florida Atlantic.

"Kansas State, I gave you guys my blood, sweat and tears and in return, you all gave me the confidence I needed to take this next step, one that I have dreamed of my whole life," Johnson said on Twitter. "I bet on myself, but I wouldn't be here without you, which is why this announcement is so bittersweet."

Johnson's success was one of the more inspirational stories of the college basketball season. He was previously a standout at Florida but had his basketball stay with the Gators end after collapsing on the court during a game in December 2020.

After Florida declined to clear him to play, Johnson made the decision to transfer. He chose the Wildcats, a team that exceeded all expectations with the Elite Eight run that he helped lead along with point guard Markquis Nowell.

"God blessed me with another opportunity in life and to play the game I love," Johnson said. "On August 20th, I committed to Kansas State and it was the beginning of the best season of my collegiate career, hands down."

Nowell declared for the draft in late March.