Keyontae Johnson Update: Gators Star Released From Hospital But Questions Remain

Followers and supporters of University of Florida Gators star Keyontae Johnson are in for some good news.

The 25-year-old has been released from the hospital, meaning he will be able to spend Christmas with his family.

The 6-foot-5 junior, who passed on joining the 2020 NBA Draft to continue playing for the Gators, continues to make progress after collapsing in a recent basketball match against the Florida State Seminoles.

The family of Johnson revealed the development via the Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Twitter account. However, the statement also includes continued questions on why the 25-year-old cager collapsed.

“As much as everyone involved wants firm answers, the process to draw definitive conclusions continues, and we ask for patience as the medical professionals continue their work,” part of the statement read.

This means that Johnson will continue to remain under observation despite his steady progress. For now, the bright side is that Keyontae is back on his feet and responding well.

Johnson gave everyone a scare when he collapsed in the early goings of the Gators vs. Seminoles match. He was coming out off a timeout with his team up 11-3. He fell face-first somewhere near center court but was given immediate medical attention.

With medical experts seeing some strange brain activity, Johnson was placed in a medically-induced coma. He woke up from that successfully and responded well to his family and doctors.

From there, he thanked everyone and even did the familiar "Gator Chomp."

"First and foremost, I would like to thank God," Johnson said. "I know you all have been sending your prayers out the last few weeks and me and my parents are very grateful for all the prayers that have been going out."

But the big question right now is if the collapse was in any way connected to COVID-19. Johnson reportedly tested positive along with other players in the summer.

His collapse could be a result of dehydration or possibly something that is heart-related like myocarditis. If not, it could be a consequence of inflammation triggered by the body’s overly aggressive immune response.