Florida postpones rest of its non-conference schedule as Keyontae Johnson on mend

The Florida men’s basketball team has postponed the remainder of its non-conference schedule this month, the program announced Thursday, as star forward Keyontae Johnson continues to progress after collapsing on the court against Florida State last Saturday. 

“Keyontae Johnson continues to show truly encouraging signs of progress as he undergoes tests and further evaluation at UF Health,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “He and his family have again expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and well-wishes.”

The Gators were set to conclude the non-conference schedule with games Saturday vs. Florida Atlantic, Sunday vs. Florida A&M and Dec. 22 vs. James Madison. The next game on Florida’s schedule is now Dec. 30 in Nashville against Vanderbilt to commence conference play. 

Previous coverage:UF athletic director says Johnson is 'smiling and laughing'

Also:Florida calls off game against UNF on Wednesday night

“This has been an emotionally taxing time for Keyontae’s family, friends and teammates,” Stricklin said. “Our hope is that everyone impacted will take an opportunity to process those emotions and regroup ahead of the start of the new year.”

Stricklin, speaking Wednesday on WRUF’s Sportscene with Steve Russell, said Johnson had continued to progress in the day since UF’s athletics director visited Tuesday. 

"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,” he said. “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."

The Gators (3-1) have now postponed or canceled six games already, including against UMass Lowell, Virginia and Oklahoma to open the season.