Starkey attended Central Christian School at Hutchinson, Kansas, where he averaged 19 points, 13.4 rebound and 4.7 blocks as a senior, being named named All-State and Most Outstanding Player at the state tournament.[2]
College career
Starkey played college basketball at Southern Nazarene where he averaged 14,9 points, 7,6 rebounds and 2,0 blocks,[3] being named GAC Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. He finished his college career with 187 total blocks, becoming both the all-time leader in school's history, as well as second in GAC history while earning the single season record with 64.[4][2]
On February 12, 2021, Starkey signed with Lovćen 1947 of the Montenegrin League,[6] where he averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in eight games.[5]
Kirchheim Knights (2021–2022)
Before the 2021–2022 season, Starkey signed with Kirchheim Knights of the German ProA,[7] averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 29 games.[5]
Oklahoma City Blue / Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2022–2024)
On October 22, 2022, Starkey was taken in the second round of the 2022 NBA G League draft by the Oklahoma City Blue,[8] but was waived on November 1.[9] On November 15, he re-signed with the Blue, but was waived on November 27.[9]
On January 3, 2023, Starkey re-signed with the Blue,[9] but waived him on February 3.[9] Two days later, he re-signed with Fort Wayne.[10]
On October 28, 2023, Starkey re-joined the now Indiana Mad Ants,[11] but was waived on November 2.[12] Two days later, he returned to the Blue, where he ended up helping them to win a title.[13]