Oscar Tshiebwe explains connection with Keyontae Johnson, philosophy on friendship

Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe and Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson will be battling today on the court for a spot in the Sweet 16. But off the court, they have developed a strong friendship.

In December 2020, Johnson collapsed on the court during a game for Florida. One of the first players to reach out to Johnson after the situation was Tshiebwe.

That initial reach out has developed into the two checking in on each other after the game.

“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.”

Keyontae Johnson on his relationship with Oscar Tshiebwe

Keyontae Johnson also opened up on his relationship with Oscar Tshiebwe ahead of their battle in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“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 and Tshiebwe are two of the best players in the country. Both were named All-Americans this past season by the Associated Press. Tshiebwe made the second team with UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., Penn State guard Jalen Pickett, Gonzaga forward Drew Timme and Arizona forward Azuolas Tubelis. Johnson’s third team teammates include North Carolina forward Armando Bacot, Marquette guard Tyler Kolek, Iowa forward Kris Murray and Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell