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Jackson Keith announced that he has committed to Butler! Keith joins Jack McCaffery and Stink Robinson as a part of Butler’s 2nd ranked (!!!!!) 2025 class (with Colt Langdon now reclassifying and redshirting to be a part of the team this season). Keith is a four-star prospect, ranking 111th according to the On3 Industry Consensus Ranking.
Keith is a 6’6” Guard/Forward from Durham, North Carolina, who attends Southern Durham High School. Keith committed to Butler over Notre Dame and NC State, amongst others.
What He Brings to the Table
Keith is a bruiser inside. He’s one of those players who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty inside and fight for that loose ball. He’s at his best when he’s getting downhill, and playing inside the arc. He’s physically imposing for a wing and rebounds really well for his position. As evidenced by this skillset, Keith’s AAU team ran him as a small-ball five, as some of their bigs didn’t make the trip to Peach Jam.
Keith averaged 17PPG and 5.8RPG for Team CP3 at Peach Jam this Summer, shooting 56.1% from the floor across four games. Keith is a switchable defender, who has the athleticism to defend 1-4, and even some smaller fives. His AAU team would have him switch on just about every single pick and roll, and have him cover the ball handler, which generally worked out for them. Keith’s versatility defensively is going to be a huge asset for this Butler team, which has seen some struggles on that side of the ball since the 2020 season.
How He Fits
Both Colt Langdon and Jack McCaffery are very skilled wings, Keith adds physicality and athleticism next to them. Keith is a willing shot creator too, usually finding his spots in that mid-range area. If he isn’t getting to the bucket, he’s willing to take bigger defenders off the bounce, put them on their heels and rise up for a mid-range jumper. Keith is also excellent on the break, if he gets a head of steam, usually a rim-rocking jam follows.
Keith is a willing offensive creator, but I think the defensive end is where he can really shine as a Bulldog. Keith is a long and very fluid athlete, who can cover multiple positions. He’s a willing shot blocker and is very active in passing lanes. He’s capable of grabbing some tough rebounds, and getting the team started on a quick break. He’s the type of player who is willing to guard the opposing team's best player, which I think is what made him such an intriguing prospect to Butler.
What Keith Had to Say
Way back in January, before Butler was really recruiting Keith, here’s what he had to say about what he was looking for in a program, to Joe Tipton:
“‘I’ll be looking closely at the family aspect of a program. I feel like I can play anywhere, so, the role matters. But at the same time, I want somewhere that has the connections to get me to the next level and it’s gonna make me work to get to the next level.’”
It's very clear his connection to the newest Butler Bulldog, Colt Langdon, helped get Keith to Hinkle. Keith and Langdon played ball together way back when they were younger, which they will do once again in Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse a year from now.
More words to Tipton after his commitment:
"The entire staff was amazing! The visit was great. Everyone we met was genuine and committed to making Butler basketball the best in every aspect, including academically. My parents loved it. Coach Matta and the entire Butler staff want me to reach my ceiling and in the process, be a part of a great tradition of basketball.”
Butler’s 2025 Class
I’d be fairly surprised if this wasn’t the last addition to Butler’s 2025 Class, at least for the time being. With the scholarship increase from 13 to 15 after this season, maybe the Bulldogs look to bring in more pieces to redshirt a season, much like Langdon will this year. But, a class of Stink Robinson, Jack McCaffery, Colt Langdon and now Jackson Keith, should have the future looking pretty bright in Hinkle Fieldhouse.