Keyontae Johnson has had a career-best season after returning from a devastating heart issue he suffered in December 2020. During his time with the Florida Gators, he was already a talented player with double-digit averages in his first two seasons. But an unanticipated setback halted his potential for close to two years.
Now part of the Kansas State, conversations surrounding his first-round draft pick are catching traction, all thanks to his sensational comeback. His success on the court this season raises the question: which key attributes make Keyontae Johnson a good Basketball player?
Keyontae Johnson’s Wingspan
Keyontae Johnson has a wingspan of 7 feet (2.1 meters).This measurement has a significant influence on Keyontae's style of play and his play-making ability. He averaged seven rebounds and one steal per game in his comeback season, all thanks to his long reach which compelled him to play all-around good basketball.
Importance of Longer Wingspan for Shooting Guards
For shooting guards like Keyontae, having a long wingspan can be beneficial in multiple ways. First and foremost, it allows them to better defend against opposing players by disrupting shots and passing lanes with their long reach. This can make it more difficult for opponents to score or move the ball effectively.
Also, having a longer wingspan may also give shooting guards some advantages on offense. For example, they may be able to shoot over defenders more easily due to their extended reach. They could also potentially grab rebounds or catch passes that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Comparing Keyontae Johnson’s Wingspan with other Shooting Guards
So how does Keyontae Johnson's wingspan compare to other shooting guards in the NCAA? Apparently a bit better.
Kellan Grady is one example of an impressive shooting guard. He stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and played four seasons of his collegiate career with the Davidson Wildcats. He has a wingspan of approximately 6 feet 8 inches and was skilled in isolation plays which would create turnovers for the team.
Isaiah Joe is another good example. Isaiah stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and has a wingspan measuring 6 feet 7.5 inches. Despite being the shortest in this comparison, Isaiah is still a highly talented player who averaged fifteen points and nearly two steals per game on 40 % shooting from the field.
While Grady and Joe are no average performers, in terms of key physical attributes like Height and Wingspan they fall short. Overall, Keyontae Johnson has the potential, the numbers, and the physical attributes to stand different from the rest of this year’s NBA Draft picks and make a name for himself in the years to come.
While there are certainly other factors that contribute to the success of a shooting guard in basketball, having a longer wingspan can provide certain benefits that are irreplaceable.
FAQs
A. The Big 12 Conference.
A. Johnson has a wingspan of 7 feet.
A. Grady plays for the Grand Rapids Gold who are an affiliate team of the Denver Nuggets.
A. Isaiah plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.