Jameel Watkins

Jameel Watkins

Personal information
Born	(1977-08-02) August 2, 1977 Brooklyn, New York
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight	255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school	Paul Robeson (Brooklyn, New York)
College	Georgetown (1996–2000)
NBA draft	2000: undrafted
Playing career	2000–present
Position	Center / Power forward
Career history
2000–2001	Cáceres CB
2001–2002	Basket Livorno
2002–2003	Fayetteville Patriots
2006–2007	Formula Shell
2007–2008	Magnolia Beverage Masters
2008–2010	Jiangsu Dragons
2010–2011	Jilin Northeast Tigers
2011	ASU Sports Club
2011	Leones de Santo Domingo

Jameel Watkins (born August 2, 1977) is an American professional basketball center. Watkins played college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas during the late 1990s, earning a reputation for his defensive proficiency and shot-blocking skills. Despite signing contracts with four NBA teams throughout his career, Watkins only saw regular season playing time in two games while with the Houston Rockets.

High School career

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Watkins led Paul Robeson High School to an NYC championship. Watkins was also named to the USA Today All-America Honorable Mention.

College career

Watkins sat out his freshman year and started his career as a sophomore in 1996-97. He recorded a double-double in his first game vs. St. Leo with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Watkins averaged 9.0 minutes per game in playing 27 of 30 games in his first season of playing.

As a junior in 1997-1998, he saw extended time when fellow big men Jahidi White and Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje were sidelined with injuries. He played in all 31 games and made 18 starts, averaging 4.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1 block per game. He also garnered 16 rebounds in one game and also recorded two double-doubles. In his senior season, he led the team with 7.2 rebounds per game in playing all the 31 games. He also averaged 7.8 points and a little less than 2 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game.

Watkins gained a fourth year of athletic eligibility after sitting out as a freshman, he played his last season as a graduate student. Playing in all 34 games with 23 starts, he averaged 4.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

Watkins made a strong impression at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, making the PIT All-Tournament Team on 12.3 points, 9.0 rpg and 2.3 blocks per game. He helped his team win the championship by notching 16 points and 11 rebounds in the championship game.

Professional career

NBA career

After going undrafted in the 2000 NBA Draft, Watkins became an unrestricted free agent. The Milwaukee Bucks signed Watkins in early October, but waived his contract 24 days later. Before the beginning of the 2002-03 NBA season the Seattle SuperSonics signed Watkins, but waived the contract before the season opener. Watkins saw his first NBA playing time after signing with the Houston Rockets in 2003. Watkins played a total of 26 minutes in two games against the Portland Trailblazers, and his former team: the Seattle Supersonics. Watkins was still waived by Houston in October, however. The Charlotte Bobcats would sign Watkins in 2007, but waived his contract shortly thereafter.

International career

Watkins made his Philippine Basketball Association debut for the Formula Shell averaging 29.4 points, 18.0 rpg. He also played for the Magnolia Beverage Masters in the 2007–08 PBA season.

Watkins then made his way to China. He averaged 19 points, 13.2 rebounds an 2.8 blocks in 2008-09 season, and 15.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in the recent 2009-10 season. In November, 2010 he signed for Jilin Northeast Tigers. There he averaged 20.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.