Making the Right Decision, Taking the Right Shot: Keith Gilespie’s Next Chapter

TFT STAFF WRITER

The Marksmen from Metro Atlanta Targets JUCO for His Next Move

At 6'2", Keith Gilespie has earned a reputation as a true “shooting assassin”, a marksman from beyond the arc and a creative playmaker who leaves defenders scrambling. Through his high-school career at both Fayette County High School and Cedar Grove High School, Gilespie embraced big moments: two state-championship appearances, four region titles, and more than 1,300 career points.
His honors read like a resume: 2× state runner-up, 2× all-state, 2× 1st-team all-region, 4× region champ, 2× 1st-team all-county, 1× 2nd-team all-region. On Instagram (IG handle: @KeithG2025) he’s archived the memorable stat lines and highlight reels that validate the hype.

Last year, after coming up just short in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 3A state championship, Keith confronted that moment all competitors face: what’s next? He walked away from high school ball uncertain of the exact path, but certain that his playing days weren’t done and that he still had much more to give the game he loves.

With multiple prep schools, post-graduate programs, Division II and mid-major/major Division I programs showing interest, Keith and his family opted for a strategic move: accept an offer from Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, home of the Coyotes. There, at the junior-college level, he could work on his body, sharpen his game, and position himself for the next leap.

Weatherford College & Its Basketball Setting

Weatherford College (officially a public community college, service area Parker County, TX) competes athletically in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region V.Wikipedia+2Weatherford College+2 The men’s basketball program (the Coyotes) has had solid seasons — for example, in the 2024-25 cycle they posted a record of 19-11 and advanced through the Region V tournament. Midland Reporter-Telegram+2WC Athletics+2
This level of competition offers Keith the chance to face seasoned JUCO opponents, refine his craft, and transition smoothly toward a four-year college opportunity.

Why Junior College Makes Sense

In today’s collegiate landscape, the junior-college route offers unique advantages for players like Keith. Choosing two years at a JUCO allows him to get physically stronger, diversify his skill set, especially his playmaking and off-ball movement and ensure that when he does move to a four-year program, he’s equipped to produce immediately.
Recent eligibility developments also matter: while traditional rules required student-athletes to complete four seasons within a five-year window, the landscape is shifting with recent waivers and legal scrutiny around junior-college seasons counting toward NCAA eligibility.NCSA College Recruiting+2Elite Athletes Recruiting+2By doing JUCO now and staying on schedule, Keith puts himself in an optimal position.

The Work Behind the Shot

Keith isn’t leaving anything to chance. With his father, Kevin Gillespie, guiding him, and trainer-mentor Ryan Harrow (a former Parade All-American and Kentucky Wildcat point guard) sharpening his court IQ, Keith has logged countless gym sessions. He’s shared the floor with his peers through early morning and late-night “gym rat” workouts. This past summer he participated in a number of high level open run session which included the The Follow Through LLC (Late Runs + group training) before his departure to Texas.
The result? Early returns: At his new home in Weatherford, he had a breakout off-the-bench game,  20 points (4-of-7 from three, 8-of-9 free throws), and a team-high 4 steals. That performance shows the shot selection, floor awareness and defensive tenacity that will elevate him moving forward.

What’s to Come

Keith’s trajectory is clear: refine now, shine later. With his high-school résumé (1,300+ points, multi-year region championships, individual accolades) already behind him, the next chapter aims at demonstrating that his game translates to the collegiate level and that when the right four-year offer comes, he’s ready.
The title of his story is apt: “Making the Right Decision or Taking the Right Shot.” Because for Keith Gillespie, it’s never just about the jump-shots (though he has plenty) it’s about the decisions: when to accept an offer, where to build, how to train, and when to strike.