"Built for the Paint, Setting the Tone Inside"

Keaton D Watkins

@keatonwatkins27

6'7" 225 lbs, Class of 2027

Fannin County HS, GA

Keaton is a true space eater who does his work inside and brings blue-collar toughness every time he’s on the floor. He owns the post with strength and balance, scoring effectively around the rim while also showing a punishing middy and an old-school magic hook that he can go to when the game tightens. Defenders have to account for him inside, but he also steps out and makes shots from deep, adding another weapon to his offensive game.

On the defensive end, Keaton prides himself on doing the things that matter most. He boxes out the opposing team’s best rebounder, protects the rim, and stays active around the basket, making life difficult in the paint. His rebounding numbers back it up, and his shot blocking has been a major factor all season as he continues to anchor the interior for his team. Staying out of foul trouble has been a focus, and as his footwork and ball handling improve, his ability to stay on the floor longer continues to show growth.

Last season, Keaton showed the foundation of who he is and what he brings, averaging 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while totaling 58 blocked shots, helping lead an Elite Eight run, and earning NWGA Tipoff Club Player of the Month in January 2025, along with 7A-D1 All Region Honorable Mention. This season, he is averaging 10.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while protecting the rim with 2.1 blocks per contest, finishing efficiently at 55.6 percent from two-point attempts, and showing confidence from the perimeter by shooting a blistering 50 percent from three in limited opportunities.

Team success has followed. Fannin County is 15-1 and is pushing toward its first region championship with hopes of another deep state run. Rival games against Union County and Gilmer County carry extra meaning, and sweeping both series 4-0 added pride and confidence to an already connected group. Keaton feeds off team runs and and-one opportunities, moments that swing games and bring energy to the bench.

Off the floor, Keaton enjoys spending time at church, with his girlfriend, listening to music, and playing golf. He is team-first in everything, focused on doing what’s best for the group and getting the win. With no offers yet and a few D2 camp invites, the plan stays to keep working, keep improving, and earn the next opportunity.

I assess that Keaton brings immediate value as a physical interior presence who rebounds, protects the rim, and scores efficiently around the basket. His ability to control space inside while also stepping out to knock down shots gives a college program flexibility in how it uses its frontcourt. He impacts winning by handling the work that allows others to play free.

As his ball handling, footwork, and discipline continue to improve, Keaton’s overall impact will keep rising. With his size, production, and team-first approach, he projects as a dependable frontcourt piece whose role can expand as his game continues to evolve and mature. Stay tuned.