Mike White and the Florida Gators received good news Tuesday afternoon when sophomore forward Keyontae Johnson announced he will return to Florida for his junior season in 2020-21.
Johnson made the announcement on Twitter saying:
“I can’t wait to get back and play with my brothers again next season,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “We’ve got unfinished business and the Gators will be ready to go. I’m excited to keep growing on and off the court with Coach White and our coaching staff here & keep playing in front of the Gator family.”
Johnson was the best player on the Gators’ roster last season. The sophomore earned First Team All-SEC honors. Johnson led the Gators in scoring with 14 points per game. Johnson’s best game came in a massive effort against LSU where he poured in 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He averaged 17.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Johnson was rated the 39th overall NBA Draft prospect by ESPN. The current landscape across the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the NBA Draft and the pre-draft process works. That factored into Johnson’s decision as he wasn’t able to meet with teams or attend the combine to further showcase his skills for NBA scouts and executives.
Johnson joins Scottie Lewis as the Gators’ two best players returning to school in 2020-21. The duo should give White and Gator fans a lot of optimism about the new season. Florida is still waiting on a decision from sophomore guard Andrew Nembhard.