Former Kansas State men’s basketball star Keyontae Johnson has signed with the Charlotte Hornets, finding a new home after a rookie year in Oklahoma City.
Johnson, a third-team All-American in Manhattan, was a second-round pick of the Thunder in 2023 and played on a two-way contract.
Johnson spent most of his time with the Thunder’s G-League affiliate, averaging 19.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, earning him a spot on the G-League All-Star roster.
The Thunder parted ways with Johnson after struggling to make room for a surplus of young talent on a contending team that clinched first place in the Western Conference last season.
On the other hand, the Hornets’ 21-61 record last season was due to a lack of talent compared to the Thunder. Johnson will likely be competing for NBA minutes in Charlotte.
Johnson came to K-State after three seasons at Florida, where he was named first-team All-SEC before a medical emergency ended his athletic career. His arrival in the Little Apple was key to the Wildcats’ team reaching the Elite Eight.
Information on Johnson’s contract with the Hornets was not made available.
