When Raazhel Watkins decided he was going to attend Los Medanos College to continue his basketball career, it was to get one last shot at making it big.

Much like on the hardwood, Watkins stepped back, took that shot for a three and hit nothing but net.

Watkins came to LMC with high praise, especially considering the fact the Diablo Valley College is across the street from his house. The six-foot one-inch basketball player won the Diablo Valley Athletic League MVP award during his tenure at College Park High School.

“My choice for JuCo was all basketball oriented. I liked the style at LMC better, it’s a fast pace and I’m in a position where I could play much better,” said Watkins.

In his sophomore year he posted up a conference leading 21.3 points per game, with the addition of a 50 percent three-point shooting percentage.

It was enough for him to be awarded first team in the All-Bay Valley Conference, and be selected as part of the 2019 North versus South Junior College All-Star game presented by NorCalSportsTV.

Watkins was the lone representative from LMC and one of few from the Bay Valley Conference.
“He was one of top scorers and assist men in the statem,” said NorCalSports commentator Chris Babcock. “He made his LMC teammates better with his ability to score and distribute the ball.”
Watkins dominated the game for the North, finishing the night with 19 points, the highest on his team.

“Many people don’t believe you can make out it, as in getting 4 year school exposure or much success, on an LMC athletic team,” said teammate Charles Jones. “But him making it to the all star game shows that it’s all about hard work and determination.”

With all these accomplishments, it’s hard to believe that Watkins played his freshman year through an injury that required the entire offseason to recover from.

“After physical therapy and getting my body right, I felt way better,” Watkins said. “I love this game so much. It’s never going to stop.”

For Watkins, his journey has just begun.

After being recruited by schools like San Francisco State University, California State University, San Bernardino and University of North Dakota — Watkins has elected to head to the state’s capital and play for California State University, Sacramento.

“It was a clear answer from me. After going on the visit, I loved everything about it. I’m proud and excited to be part of the family,” said Watkins. “It’s always been a dream playing division one basketball.”