Key is the nephew of NBA player Ralph Sampson, who starred at the University of Virginia.[1][2] Key's father Eric Key played at Radford University. Under his childhood surname of Blackwell,[3] Key played three seasons with Christ Presbyterian Academy, leading the team to a state title in 2013 and winning TSSAA's Mr. Basketball award in 2014 and 2015.[4] He then transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year, where he played under his father's surname for the first time and led the team to a 45–1 record and national championship.[5][6]
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.[6] 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.[7]
After the season, Key transferred to Virginia and was granted an immediate eligibility waiver by the NCAA.[7] 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.[8] Key averaged 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior, starting six games.[9] Key had surgery for a wrist injury in November 2019 and missed several games.[10] He returned to action on December 18 against Stony Brook.[11] At the conclusion of the regular season, Key was named All-ACC Honorable Mention.[12] As a senior, Key averaged 9.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.[13]
Professional career
Delaware Blue Coats (2021–2022)
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Key joined the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League in January 2021, after being selected in the G League draft.[14] On March 2, he posted a season-high 19 points to go with five rebounds, two assists, two steals two blocks in a 120–92 win over the NBA G League Ignite.[15]
On October 13, 2021, Key signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, but was waived the same day.[16] On October 25, he re-signed with Delaware.[17] In 43 career NBA G League games, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in 23.7 minutes.[18]
Philadelphia 76ers (2022)
On January 5, 2022, Key signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.[19] Key appeared in two games for the 76ers, scoring two points in six total minutes. After his 10-day contract expired, Key was reacquired by the Delaware Blue Coats.[20]
Detroit Pistons / Motor City Cruise (2022)
On March 24, 2022, Key signed a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons.[21] On April 3, he signed a two-way contract.[18] On December 26, 2022, Key was waived.[22]
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