Manhattan, Kansas (KWCH) – The Big 12-SEC Challenge has brought all kinds of fun matchups over the years. The year included blue-blooded battles in Kansas and Kentucky, the Longhorns vs. Volunteers ranked matchup, and perhaps the biggest upset of the season in Norman. But Saturday’s Kansas vs. Florida at the Bramlage Colliseum meant more than just a fun matchup.
The Keyontae Johnson story is arguably the biggest and best story in the nation. After collapsing on the court while playing in Florida in 2020, he returned to prominence, finding a home in K State’s ‘Octagon of Doom’ after potentially facing a life-threatening injury .
Johnson said in his lone season with the Wildcats, currently ranked No. 5, he has been accepted with open arms for his new opportunity in the game.
“It shows how much respect K State has for me. [they have for me]: To know I’m back in the game because I love basketball games. “
On Saturday, Johnson got the chance to face his former team in an emotional day for both sides.
“It was special just to see my old teammates,” Johnson said. “It was fun playing against them. It felt like we were joking and practicing during the game, but we were still competitive. I think it was a good experience.”
In true Keyonte Johnson fashion, he found a way to hit another double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) during the season to help the Cats remain undefeated in their new home.
K-State head coach Jerome Tan said, “It was really cool. I wanted to see him put on a good game. I wanted him to win. I think our team wanted him to win.” He didn’t do much, but we knew it was important to him.
Johnson and the Wildcats will travel to Allen Fieldhouse on Tuesday to try to sweep the in-state rival Jayhawks for the season.
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