NBA Draft Scouting Report: Kansas State's Keyontae Johnson
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Keyontae Johnson
Wing | Kansas State
Height: 6'6” | Weight: 230 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 23.07
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
An experienced prospect with NBA upside, Johnson has re-emerged as one of the best players in the country again this season. He had a medical emergency on Dec. 12, 2020, during a Florida game that sidelined him for the remainder of his junior season. From there, he sat out his fourth season as a Gator before transferring this offseason. Prior to these events, he was viewed as a potential first-round talent.
Johnson took his talents to Kansas State for the 2022-23 season with one season of eligibility remaining after playing in those three seasons at Florida. While he is extremely experienced, but also is an older prospect. With that in mind, he’s got the tools to make contributions to an NBA team as a rookie.
For starters, he's a really good rebounder for his size. The 6-foot-6 prospect is very strong and has great length that allows him to defend multiple positions. More of a natural wing, he can slide down to defend some guards but also up to take on bigs.
While he can play upwards of three positions in college, Johnson will likely be a combo forward at the next level. As the competition and athleticism at every position increases, things will change for him.
Turnovers have been somewhat of an issue for him this season, so he needs show he’s a better decision maker as the postseason comes around. With that in mind, good things do usually happen when the ball is in Johnson’s hands.
Especially in transition, he has great feel for a forward. Johnson has the ability to pull down a rebound and push the break with confidence, which is a key skill in the modern NBA. Not only can he score at a high level in transition, but he’s got solid vision while running the floor.
Even in halfcourt sets, he’s generally comfortable with the ball in his hands. Johnson isn’t necessarily a point forward archetype, but he’s someone that can be a complimentary facilitator within the flow of the offense.
He’s more of a straight-line driver when it comes to generating his own shot, but is effective using his weight and strength to bully his defender on way to cup. Though he drives with power to rim, with a deceptively quick first step, the 6-foot-6 prospect has ability to change pace in order to regain balance and put the ball off the glass with touch. Johnson is having his best season as a scorer at the college level and is thriving in the Big 12 style of play.
He’s emerged as a fantastic 3-point shooter and also gets to the free throw line at a good rate, which is crucial for NBA scorers. Johnson has a quick release on his smooth jumper and can shoot from all levels. While he does take some questionable shots in the mid-range, he’s also improved in that area of the floor this season.
A great showing by Johnson and the Wildcats late in the recent college season was positive for his draft stock. The pre-draft process will now dictate whether or not he gets selected.
What’s been extremely promising is that he’s had some of his best performances against the top teams in the conference. The former Oak Hill Academy standout and top 100 recruit is now 23 years old, but still should be getting attention from NBA teams in the coming weeks.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Second-Round Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
2023 Big Board
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