SAGU Men’s Basketball player Keyunta Watkins knows how to save the best for last. On his last regular-season game, Watkins surpassed the 1,000 career point mark.
1,000 points is impressive enough. But Watkins hit the milestone in only two years, and according to Head Coach Donnie Bostwick, he wasn’t exactly brought in to be the leading scorer his junior season. “Last season, Key came in with a bunch of talented seniors,” Bostwick said. “He fit in perfectly, which can be a challenge for a scorer who is used to having the ball in his hands most of the time.”
It didn’t seem to bother Watkins, who can always be found with a larger than life smile. “1,009 points never came to my mind,” Watkins said. “I just wanted to come to SAGU and try to win a championship and to get a better chance of going overseas.”
Watkins came to SAGU from Temple Junior College in Temple, Texas. During his two years as a JUCO player, he scored 818 points.
Watkins ranks no. two in the NAIA in three-point field goals made per game (3.5), no. two in the NAIA in total three-point field goals made (105), and no. seven in the NAIA in total scoring with 578 points this season.
“Not only is Keyunta one of the best shooters I have ever coached, he is one of the biggest winners,” said Bostwick. “He hates to lose and wills us to victory. Many predicted that this would be a rebuilding year with so many young players, especially after losing Remington (Mitchell) to injury. Keyunta, along with fellow senior Junior, took over this team's leadership role, and through God's help, have shocked everyone coming only one possession from winning a SAC Championship.”
“It all means that hard work has somewhat paid off but I know more is to come,” explains Watkins.
And just how much more? Watkins says it best, “However many it takes to win it all. I don’t have a set number, I just want to win.”