Keon Johnson Of Tennessee Sets NBA Draft Combine Record

Tennessee freshman wing Keon Johnson figuratively and literally jumped over the NBA Draft Combine’s previous max vertical jump record Wednesday. The 18-year-old Johnson recorded a 48” vertical leap, besting the previous record of 45.5 inches set by Kenny Gregory in 2001 by more than two inches. Those are the type of hops the average guy keeps in his back pocket until he notices an uninvited spider joining him in the morning bathroom routine.

The former Volunteer used his springs to record averages of 11.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in his lone season in Knoxville.

Most analysts project the 6'5 Johnson will be selected in the draft's lottery. In 27 games, Johnson shot a respectable 44.9% from the field, but struggled from behind the three-point line, shooting just 27.1%.

Earlier this season, Tennessee teammate Santiago Vescovi marveled at Johnson's athleticism following the Vols' win over SEC rival Georgia, telling 247sports.com: “He’s a freak. He’s super athletic, and I think he’s showing what he can do.”

Johnson's max vertical wasn't his only noteworthy bounce. His standing vertical was nearly as impressive.

Coupled with his impressive freshman season, Johnson's record-setting combine should help his bank account take a considerable jump following next month's draft.