Recruiting Report: Antonio Watson (2018)

The months between AAU and high school basketball can act as a vetting process of sorts. For players who saw the summer go by without an offer, are you going to be motivated or discouraged? In weekends spent at Coach Vic’s Open Gym and various events, it seems that <strong>Antonio Watson</strong> (2018) has been using the time to take steps forward. The 5’10” point guard from New Albany High School’s confidence is growing, and college interest is coming with it. “I’ve received interest from Alderson Broaddus in West Virginia, Middle Tennessee State in Tennessee, American University in D.C.,” Watson told <em>PHOH</em>. “First I look at education wise, to see if they have the things I would like to go into fields wise. And then I look at their basketball program. But Middle Tennessee State really has a good basketball program. I love their staff,” Watson said. The 3.1 GPA student seems pretty set on majoring in engineering, which is going to be a crucial factor in his eventual college decision. In order to open up his options, Watson identified strength, ball-handling, and vocal leadership as areas he’s been improving. Watson works on those facets of the game with his trainer, along with finishing moves in the lane. “We train on jump-shots, floaters, strong lay-ups, so yeah we work on that a lot,” Watson said. Although the 16-year-old junior is slightly undersized currently, he is a candidate to sprout up over the next few seasons. Based on his genes (father is 6’9” and mother 6’0”), the doctors told Watson he could reach 6’6”. Considering his consistency of breaking down his defender with smooth dribbling moves and a knock-down deep ball, a taller Watson would be a highly touted recruit. Regardless, the point guard has adjusted to his height and is very solid at finishing inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Wf_hz5S4 “I’m a good leader. I have pretty good vision, I see guys that are open. I’m a good passer. And I’m a knock-down shooter,” Watson said, when asked to describe his skills. Prep Hoops Ohio would advise coaches to keep an eye on Watson over the next few seasons, as his confidence is building. If he can continue to grow (both physically and from a skill perspective) expect him to be a scholarship athlete by the time he graduates.