Recruiting Report: P’hariz Watkins (2017)
“This summer, I’ve been playing really good. Probably my best summer of my high school career,” said P’hariz Watkins, a 6’2” guard for Shining Stars 17U and Chaminade-Julienne High School, whose talents we covered earlier this summer. Watkins told us…
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Continue Reading“This summer, I’ve been playing really good. Probably my best summer of my high school career,” said P’hariz Watkins, a 6’2” guard for Shining Stars 17U and Chaminade-Julienne High School, whose talents we covered earlier this summer.
Watkins told us that he’s been consistently putting up double-doubles and that he’s more satisfied with his defense, which has been a point of focus throughout the years.
“I would probably credit it more to confidence than talent. I mean, yes I’ve gotten more talented as a player and noticed things in my game that needed to be better. But it’s definitely more of just my confidence being boosted,” Watkins said.
Last season, Watkins was thrust into a leadership role for the Eagles. He responded during his junior season, and that role hasn’t changed since.
“In June, I had a really great summer league with my CJ team. I think I led us in everything except in rebounds. And I think I was second in points … I got back playing with our high school guys and we gelled just being back together in that month.”
Watkins remains without an offer currently, but remains in contact with multiple Division III schools — especially Heidelberg.
“Me and Coach Wick have had a lot of good conversations. He actually called me last week for our first verbal conversation, like over the phone. And I mean, he was just telling me that they’re really interested in me as a player. And they wanted me to attend their elite camp at the end of July. And in August that they were planning on bringing me up for a visit,” Watkins said.
“I feel confident that when I go up to there, that it’s going to feel like a right place for me.”
Watkins mentioned that he’s receiving a lot of feedback through email, as well.
Urbana, Pikeville, Trevecca Nazarenem, Thomas More, are all schools he has identified as potential landing spots. He is excited about those colleges not only in basketball terms, but also as academic institutions.
“So far, I’ve been looking at schools that have the major I want to major in. Athletic training and physical therapy … And you know, just the area around the school. How the school is. What is around it. How the people are. How the program is ran. And as far as basketball, just a really team-concept type of program,” Watkins said.
Physical therapy is not only a way he can stay around the game throughout life, he was also inspired by his grandfather’s therapist as a young kid. He has a true passion for not only his athletic talent, but in helping other’s maintain their physical abilities.
Watkins has been a self-starter as far as recruitment goes, including being the first to open a conversation. It’s reflective of his ambition, which is also seen on the court and when you talk to him about physical therapy. Simply a guy who any team could benefit from having in their locker room.
Coaches can catch Watkins in action the rest of this weekend in Cincinnati at the Adidas All In Classic.
Prep Hoops Ohio will continue to provide coverage of Watkins’ recruitment on Twitter @PrepHoopsOH.