Keyontae Johnson opens up on relationship with Oscar Tshiebwe

The battle between Kentucky and Kansas State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament features two dynamic players in Oscar Tshiebwe and Keyontae Johnson.

Johnson and Tshiebwe are two of the best players in the country. Tshiebwe is the reigning National Player of the Year who was named a second-team All-American this year. Even though he didn’t reach the extremely high bar from last season, Tshiebwe is averaging 16.2 points and 13.5 rebounds per game on the year.

Johnson returned from missing most of the previous two seasons after collapsing on the court during a game for Florida. He transferred to Kansa State this past offseason having played a single game as an honorary starter since December 2020.

It was that initial scare in December 2020 that helped bond Johnson and Tshiebwe.

“I have known him since high school,” Johnson said. “He was the main person that reached out to me when I collapsed in the game. We have just been close since then. I text him. He texts here and there, probably once every two months or something. But we are real cool. Like one of my brothers.”

Johnson emerged as one of the Big 12’s best players. He 17.7 points per game to go along with 7.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Oscar Tshiebwe discusses relationship with Keyontae Johnson

Oscar Tshiebwe also talked about his relationship with Keyontae Johnson this week.

“He is my boy,” Tshiebwe said. “I knew him since high school, so when he went through everything, so I just reached out to him, and I told him I’m keeping you in my prayers. Just keep praying. Let’s just keep trusting in God. God is going to bring you better than you were before. That’s how our friendship is good. Reach out sometimes, check up on him once in a while to see how he is doing.”

Tschibwe was named a second-team All-American by the AP along with UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. Penn State guard Jalen Pickett, Gonzaga forward Drew Timme and Arizona forward Azuolas Tubelis. Johnson was on the third team with North Carolina forward Armando Bacot, Marquette guard Tyler Kolek, Iowa forward Kris Murray and Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell.

Johnson also won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was an All-Big 12 first team member.

Kansas State and Kentucky will play at 2:40 p.m. ET with the game being broadcast on CBS.