With numerous unsigned prospects in Arizona's 2026 Class now looking to make decisions on college programs for next season, and with the looming NCAA Transfer Portal making it very difficult for high school prospects to get any opportunity for recruitment, Sandra Day O'Connor High School's 6-foot-7, 205-pound senior guard Colton Watson has also found a Division-I college home, and now has made his college decision. Watson announced on Friday, that he will be signing with LeHigh University and will play his college basketball in the Patriot League.
Watson was among the very best available prospects in Arizona's 2026 Class. While the state of Arizona has had a record number of commitments and signings this fall, Watson was at the top of the list of available prospects. Watson is a very skilled guard prospect with excellent size and a high basketball IQ, and has intriguing athleticism for his size. This is an excellent signing for the Lehigh program.
Watson is one of the top available high school prospects in the West, as he is coming off an excellent high school career at Sandra Day O’Connor, where he was a four-year varsity starter and a consistent standout performer for the program. This season, Watson helped lead O’Connor to a 20–9 overall record, while continuing to prove himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in Arizona’s 2026 class.
Throughout his high school career, Watson put up excellent numbers and established himself as a proven commodity for college coaches. His combination of size, skill and versatility on the perimeter makes him a very attractive prospect at the next level.
Watson also received offers from Cal Baptist University, Portland State, Utah Tech and UC San Diego, while numerous other programs expressed strong interest in his recruitment.
With his 6-foot-7 frame and perimeter skillset, Watson possesses a unique package of attributes that allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to score, handle the basketball, and create offense while also defending multiple positions gives him excellent long-term upside at the college level.
Congratulations to Watson and his family, as well as the AZ Select program on another big commitment from our staff here at Arizona Preps.
Arizona Preps Scouting Report: Watson has excellent versatility as a player and as a college prospect. He is able to play multiple positions on the floor, including the point guard position. At 6-foo-7, Watson is a very big guard prospect, which is a very attractive attribute for a player. He enjoys having the ball in his hands and making plays off the dribble for himself and his teammates. He is also very agile and athletic - able to finish plays at and above the rim over defenders. He is a good shooter of the basketball with range on his shot, which sets up his drives to the basket. He has a solid mid-range game that is improving, and he is good in transition and in the open floor, where he likes to push the ball up the court. His size and skillset will allow him to play in a college system that plays a half-court style or an up-tempo style of play. A very intriguing prospect with excellent upside.
