Know Your Opponent: Keyontae’s reunion

No. 5 Ok-State 17-3 (6-2) 

Within the ultimate version of the Large 12/SEC Problem, Kansas State has the chance so as to add a win in a break from convention play. Following Florida is a tricky stretch in opposition to No. 9 Kansas, No. 10 Texas and No. 11 TCU, however the Wildcats can not look forward of this matchup. Regardless of being ranked No. 5 within the newest AP Ballot, Ok-State just isn’t resistant to an upset, particularly if Florida finds success within the paint. Middle David N’Guessan noticed transient minutes in opposition to Texas Tech after being injured for all of convention play. N’Guessan would restrict Florida’s probability of an upset by both returning to the beginning lineup or enjoying his common minutes.

Florida 12-8 (5-3)

Florida may use somebody with the identical scoring capabilities as Ok-State ahead Keyontae Johnson. Florida acquired off to a mean begin to their season with a troublesome schedule, together with two losses in opposition to Large 12 opponents. Nevertheless, the Gators have received 5 of their final six video games, pushing them into the bubble dialog for March Insanity. Their current success has been outlined by their robust protection. The Gators are ranked twelfth in defensive effectivity, in response to KenPom, however fall to a hundred and fifteenth offensively. Ahead Colin Castleton leads the workforce in factors, rebounding, blocks, steals and subject aim proportion. Castleton would doubtless must have a dominant sport within the paint for a Gators victory.

Matchup to Watch: Keyontae Johnson vs. Former Crew

In a narrative that has taken faculty basketball by storm, ahead Keyontae Johnson has returned to enjoying basketball following a two yr absence after collapsing on court docket in opposition to Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020. Johnson’s workforce on the time of the occasion: the Florida Gators. Earlier than his collapse, Johnson had been named the 2020-21 Preseason SEC Participant of the 12 months and appeared to be an NBA draft decide. However with out being medically cleared to play, Johnson needed to tackle a brand new, non permanent position as “Coach Key,” in response to the workforce’s Twitter.

Johnson served as an assistant coach serving to with filming, scouting and on-court instruction, being a revered voice amongst teammates and coaches. Johnson was “mainly one other coach” for the Gators, stated Florida star ahead Colin Castleton, in response to Insider. “He’s our man, he’s our chief and everyone appears as much as him and listens to him. So, he’s serving to us out loads.” Now, Johnson has the chance to face a few of his former teammates in sport motion. The matchup will show if Johnson has the higher hand, having instructed them over two years.

Key Gamers

Ok-State

Ahead Keyontae Johnson

Middle David N’Guessan

Florida

Ahead Colin Castleton

Guard Kyle Lofton

Prediction: Ok-State 71-62