Florida AD Stricklin: Johnson ‘trending in right direction’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida forward Keyontae Johnson’s prognosis is “trending in the right direction, but we still have a lot of questions,” the school’s athletic director said Wednesday.

Scott Stricklin told WRUF radio that Johnson continues to make progress after collapsing on the court during a game at Florida State. Stricklin visited Johnson at UF Health on Tuesday afternoon.

“He was actually awake. He was actually sitting up in a chair,” Stricklin said. “You could tell he’s still been sedated, so he was still a little groggy. But he thanked me for coming by. It was good to see him and sitting up. He had family in there, his parents and others.”

Stricklin said he has received even better news since regarding Johnson’s recovery.

“I’m told he’s even progressed a lot since then, that he’s having good conversations with his doctors, with his coaches,” Stricklin said. “He’s smiling and laughing, still undergoing more tests. I think the tests that have gotten back so far have been positive from a medical standpoint.

“His prognosis seems to be trending in the right direction, but we still have a lot of questions. The medical folks have a lot of questions they want to make sure they get answered.”

Johnson crumpled to the floor coming out a timeout Saturday and received emergency medical attention. The Southeastern Conference’s preseason player of the year was moved to a stretcher and carried to a waiting ambulance as teammates, coaches, staff, fans and others watched in disbelief.