Meet Greenville area youth basketball player Keith McLawhorn Jr.

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Following in his father’s footsteps, Keith McLawhorn Jr. (KJ) has an undeniable passion for basketball and is making a name for himself. The local 12-year-old can be found on the hardwood at Hope Middle School, the Dungeon and courts across the East Coast.

KJ is a hard-working middle schooler, who has had a basketball in his hand since he could barely walk. He was born on October 19, 2010, and shares a birthday with his little sister, Kyndall. When the talented point guard isn’t on the court, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his sister. The young star has been practicing and training with his father and some of the best in the game, nearly his whole life.

Keith McLawhorn, KJ’s father, is the founder of a basketball Outwork Performance Training center known as The Dungeon. Keith explains, “The warehouse is a place where kids come to train hard and exceed their expectations.”

The Dungeon currently trains 300 students and nearly 2000 players since opening in 2012. For over 10 years, Keith has helped shape athletes to collegiate and professional levels for free of charge. Over 40 players in Keith’s program have received full scholarships to Division 1 colleges, with three now playing for NBA and WNBA.

KJ has grown up watching his father inspire others on the basketball court, ending each practice with a motivational talk. The young athlete has not only watched and learned, he has been putting it all to use with his impressive accomplishments at an early age.

In 2018 as a first grader, KJ attended the Inaugural McDavid All-American Camp in Fort Hill, SC.

The camp includes high level competition tournament games among the nation’s best, with an all-star game to end the camp. The young basketball players not only put their skills to the test, they are given “evaluations by multiple media outlets.” KJ also attended the McDavid All-American Camp in Charlotte, NC, the previous year.

An OTE Follow-Up Report updated Instagram followers on “the talented baller” in 2019. “KJ has an undeniable high level ability to flat out go! He can shoot from all over and even deep range. He is always making the correct play.” The report commented on the then second grader by saying, “His overall mentality towards the game makes it difficult for many in his age group to compete with him.”

The dedicated guard has played in many youth organizations such as Upward and Warrior Life Elite, as well as has attended several invitation only camps throughout the years.

KJ and his Warrior Life Elite 11U teammates won The Summer Invitational Showdown in June, representing the Class of 2029. The Warrior Life Elite basketball organization’s mission is to “develop players with critical skills necessary to be successful, both at the highest levels of basketball and in all facets of life.” KJ ranked #2 in the Top 25 Junior Division of the program.

In September, KJ attended and dominated at The Hot 100 Boys National Middle School Showcase; “the country’s premiere invitation only Middle School event for elite student athletes.” Scouts survey middle school prospects across the nation all year long, inviting the top athletes for “an action packed weekend of basketball” in North Carolina.

The middle school athletes play in three games with an All-Star game opportunity while gaining national exposure through media coverage and spectating scouts. The young players also attend a “prospect process” seminar and end the weekend with an award ceremony and professional photos.

Lamont Taylor, CEO and President of Get Me Recruited, says, “This youngster can see the game from all three levels and can get his shot off from pretty much wherever he wants.” The young point guard’s sportsmanship is also impressive, along with his undeniable skills. Lamont recalls, “When attacking the basket, he wasn’t selfish and repeatedly placed the ball in the hands of the open teammate.”

KJ’s talent and work ethic has caught the eye of many and is truly commendable. Coach Burton from Bucket Reel tweeted, “Keith KJ McLawhorn Jr. is by far the youngest kid I’ve ever tweeted about. (Class of 2029) However, just know that kid is going to be a serious problem sooner than later athletically. His skill, IQ and love for the game is so pure. Going to be fun to watch him grow through the years.”

The Greenville native and star on the rise says, “They say children are the future. I am the future.”

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