Braxton Key


Braxton Key is an American college basketball player for the Virginia Cavaliers of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Early life and high school career

Key is the nephew of NBA player Ralph Sampson, who starred at the University of Virginia. Key's father Eric Key played at Radford. Key played three seasons for Christ Presbyterian Academy. He transferred to Oak Hill Academy, where he led the team to a 45-1 record and national championship.

College career

Key averaged a team-high 12 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a freshman at Alabama. He scored a season-high 26 points against Georgia and was named to the All-SEC Freshman team. As a sophomore, Key averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.4 blocks per game. He was hobbled by a knee injury that forced him to miss some playing time.
After the season, Key transferred to Virginia and was granted an immediate eligibility waiver by the NCAA. In the 2018–19 season, Key won a national championship at Virginia, scoring six points, pulling down 10 rebounds and blocking one shot in the title game against Texas Tech. Key averaged 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior, starting six games. Key had surgery for a wrist injury in November 2019 and missed several games. He returned to action on December 18 against Stony Brook. At the conclusion of the regular season, Key was named All-ACC Honorable Mention. As a senior, Key averaged 9.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

Career statistics

College