He played college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas during the late 1990s, earning a reputation for his defensive proficiency and shot-blocking skills.

[3] As a sophomore in 1997–98, Watkins stepped up when fellow big men Jahidi White and Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje were sidelined with injuries, recording a 16-rebound game against West Virginia.

[3] He made a strong impression at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament following his senior season at Georgetown, averaging 12.3 points and 9.0 rebounds to help his team win the championship.

In April 2001, he signed a short-term deal with Spanish club Cáceres CB to replace the injured Tim Perry.

He left the club in January 2002 and finished the season with the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA Development League.

In April of that year, he moved to the Philippines where he played for the Shell Turbo Chargers during the 2004 PBA Fiesta Conference.

During the 2007–08 season, Watkins played in China for Fujian XunXin and in the Philippines for the Magnolia Beverage Masters.