NBA Draft 2023: 8 early entry decisions to monitor for next month

Keyontae Johnson – Kansas State – 6’5, 229 – May 2000

One of the best stories in college basketball this season, Johnson returned to the court after collapsing in a game in December of 2020. Two seasons later, Johnson led Kansas State to a Sweet Sixteen appearance and he was back to looking like the player we thought he may be at Florida (pre-collapse).

Johnson was an effective three-level scorer. He shot it well from deep, bullied smaller wings on drives for finishes, and using his leaping ability to slam home dunks. He’s well-built and can theoretically guard a few positions.

The question for Johnson will be getting medical clearance from NBA teams and getting them to trust the medicals. As unfortunate as it is, heart issues have caused prospects to slip in the draft before. Johnson is squarely in the middle of the second round right now in terms of draft projections. But unlike other players on this list, it’s his medicals and less so his play and workouts over the next few months that will affect his stock.

Jerome Tang’s roster will look a lot different than last year, with a ton of key players no longer on the team (most notably starting point guard Markuis Nowell, who had a great on-court chemistry with Johnson). But, the Wildcats did get a commitment from North Texas guard Tyler Perry, one of the best guards in the portal. Bring Johnson back to pair with Perry, and that is two potential all-league players.