Keyontae Johnson previews Kentucky matchup, opens up on relationship with Oscar Tshiebwe

Kansas State debuted in the NCAA Tournament late Friday night with a win over Big Sky representative Montana State. As per usual, the Wildcats’ triple-headed attack led the win, as All-Americans Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson carried the load offensively while big man Nae’Qwon Tomlin held down the fort in the paint as KSU cruised to a 77-65 victory over a feisty Bobcats club.

The win booked these Wildcats a date with some fellow Wildcats, the ones from Kentucky, in the second round on Sunday. Reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe grabbed the most rebounds (25) of any player in an NCAA Tournament game since before the first Star Wars movie came out as Kentucky won an absolute rock fight over the Friars. Now, these mascot twins will meet with a trip to the second weekend on the line.

After the KSU victory, Johnson was asked what the next 40ish hours have in store before he and his team take the court again.

“Just film and just recovery,” he answered. “We’re going to watch film tomorrow. Not really much we can do, just lock in and just try to stay together and worry about the next game.”

He was then asked of his first impressions of this Kentucky team, starting with Tshiebwe.

“Yeah. I mean, I know they go to Oscar. I’ve played against him, watched him play a couple times. I haven’t really watched him this year. But I mean, I’ve seen probably one or two games.” He also added that he knows Calipari’s teams are typical pretty physical.

“It’s real physical. Lanky guys all over the court. Coach Cal do a great job keeping his guys on the glass and they get on the fast break — so, that’s what I remember.”

Lastly, on a more personal note, Keyontae Johnson noted that Oscar Tshiebwe was one of the players who sent thoughts and prayers his way after the scary health incident a couple years ago that kept Johnson off the floor for the previous two seasons.

“Yeah, I’m real cool with Oscar, so it’s going to be a good matchup. He was one of the guys that reached out and prayed for me with my situation, so much respect to him,” said Johnson.

Two tremendous players that are going to do battle head to head on Sunday at 2:40 p.m. ET (1:40 p.m. CT) on CBS in Greensboro, NC.