Texas Big Man Continues Ascension at Oak Hill

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

October 18, 2007 – Making his way from Cali to Texas to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, Keith “Tiny” Gallon’s journey has been a prodigious trip. One that has seen the 6’9, 290-pound junior elevate himself from a no-named plodder, to a crafty, nimble, top 75 recruit.

“We are originally from the Bay Area in California, but we moved to Texas about three years ago for better opportunities,” commented Sylvia Gallon, Keith’s mom.

Seeking a higher level of competition both on and off the court, Gallon and his mom made the decision to take on prep powerhouse Oak Hill. Known for being, playing and beating the best, Oak Hill annually fields one the more impressive high school programs in the country. Gallon will join top 2009 point guard Brandon Jennings to form a dynamic inside-outside combination.

“Tiny” brings strength, size and agility to the center position, not uncommon to the center position of today, but at 290 pounds, Gallon moves adroitly and finishes emphatically around the basket.

Gallon does need to improve his conditioning and explosiveness however, to reach his enormous potential. Gallon also doesn’t have a go-to move as of yet and stresses the desire to drop more weight, while developing a signature move.

“Right now, I enjoy taking bigs off the dribble,” said Gallon, who attended Atascocita High in Humble, Texas last season.

“They think I can’t move because of my size and I go right by them or the play off me and I step back and shoot the three. My post game is still a work in progress, but it’s coming along.”

Gallon performed this summer for the Houston Hoops AAU program at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina. And while his team faired poorly, “Tiny” displayed the aforementioned skills in the games I saw.

It is easy to see why his list of suitors is a lengthy one, as LSU, Baylor, USC, UCLA, Georgetown, Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma have all shown varying degrees of interest.

“I have already visited LSU and Baylor unofficially, while Arizona, Baylor and A&M have all offered. Right now I would say my leaders are LSU, USC and Georgetown.”

Gallon says he wants to choose a program in which he can develop a good relationship with his coaches. He seeks a university that cares as much about him as the basketball he plays.

“If I don’t make it to the next level, I want to be prepared, so at least I’ll have my degree to fall back on.”