<p>KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee freshman guard Keon Johnson says he’s declaring for the NBA draft and will sign with an agent, becoming the Vols’ second freshman to leave after one season.</p>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/iamkeonjohnson/status/1379812653804236800">Johnson announced his decision Wednesday on social media,</a> saying he has been thinking, praying and consulting with family and coaches since Tennessee’s season ended in a first-round loss to Oregon State in the NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p>“I am forever thankful to God for blessing me with talents, surrounding me with a solid support system and positioning me to take this next big step,” Johnson wrote.</p>
<p>He thanked Tennessee coach Rick Barnes, the rest of the Vols’ staff and fans. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-basketball-tennessee-volunteers-mens-basketball-nba-draft-rick-barnes-2af662b1a072aab5504e538d8c994efd">Jaden Springer declared for the draft last week.</a></p>
<p>The 6-foot-5, 186-pound Johnson started 17 games and was the second-leading scorer, averaging 11.3 points a game. Johnson averaged 12.1 points a game in Southeastern Conference play, including a career-best 27 in a win at Kentucky in February. </p>
<p>He also led Tennessee in charges drawn and was third with 1.1 steals per game.</p>
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<p>More AP college basketball coverage: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball</a></p>
