4/1/2021

Averaged 19.0 points per game for the Cardinals as a sophomore this past season

RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team added a new member to its backcourt for the 2021-22 season with the addition of Keaston Willis, a transfer from Incarnate Word. 
 
Willis, a 6-foot-3 guard, will join LA Tech after ranking second in the Southland Conference and 47th in the country in scoring this past season, averaging 19.0 points per game with seven 20-point scoring performances.
 
“We are excited to welcome Keaston to the LA Tech Family,” said head coach Eric Konkol.  “Keaston is a powerful playmaking guard.  He is an explosive three-level scorer who can get to the paint to create for teammates.  He stretches the defense with his three-point shooting, and has shown a great ability to get to the rim to finish and get to the free throw line. 
 
“Keaston is very competitive, has a strong work ethic and fits our defensive style.  He comes from a terrific family who will be able to come watch him play often.”
 
The Sulphur Springs, Texas native helped lead the Cardinals to their first Southland Conference Tournament berth in program history while being named First Team NABC All-District 22 and Second Team All-Southland. 
 
He anchored UIW in numerous categories during his sophomore campaign including points (379), steals (24), field goals made (125), three-point field goals made (41) and free throws made (81).  He shot 42.5 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three and 75.9 percent from the foul line. 
 
The combo guard also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. 
 
“I chose Louisiana Tech because of the culture and the way everyone carries themselves there,” said Willis.  “The coaching staff wants me to come in and help continue the winning tradition.  That is something I want to be a part of.”
 
In his first year with the Cardinals, Willis was voted as the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year after leading UIW in scoring with an average of 13.3 points per game.  He led all freshmen in the SLC in scoring (14.9 points per game) and made three-pointers (52) during league play.   
 
In the two seasons combined, he recorded 122 three-pointers which ranks eighth in the UIW record books. 
 
Willis has also been recognized for his work in the classroom, earning Second Team SLC All-Academic this past season. 
 
For all the latest in Bulldog Basketball, follow them on Twitter (@LATechHoops), Instagram (@LATechHoops) and Facebook (LATechMBB).

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