One of the top overall prospects in Arizona's young 2020 class is Paradise Valley High School's 6-foot-5 freshman forward Kendall Watson. A talented prospect for the future and the younger brother of current Fresno State senior wing Paul Watson, Kendall is a nice talent himself.
Last week, Watson received a big scholarship offer for himself, very early in the process, as Fresno State University head coach Rodney Terry and his staff made it very clear that they want to land the young and gifted prospect in the future. Terry extended a scholarship offer to Watson - his first offer in the recruiting process.
This past season, Watson played sparingly for the varsity team at Paradise Valley High School, although it is very clear that this young man will be a big-time prospect over time. Watson was able to gain valuable varsity experience, even though the Paradise Valley coaches would have liked to have seen him play more on the season. Either way, the PV staff is excited about Watson’s future in their program and realizes this young man's potential.
Watson is a versatile wing prospect, much like his older brother, and has long arms and broad shoulders, also just like his older brother. He is a skilled wing prospect with a good mid-range game at this point in his young career, and still needs to become more consistent from longer ranges. He is able to score inside and out, but likes to gravitate toward the perimeter. He is a solid ball handler and passer, but needs to get physically stronger to develop in both areas. A good rebounder that keeps the ball up high on rebounds, but needs to become more active on the glass to maximize his potential, and also play with a better motor. An increased motor will be key in his ability to make plays on the floor.
Defensively, Watson has the physical tools to be special, as a result of his length and quickness for his size. He needs to play faster and with more assertiveness though to become a better defender. He would benefit nicely as a lock-down defender over time, which would raise his stock considerably as a college prospect.
Watson is another talented member of an already loaded 2020 class in Arizona, and I look for him to raise many eyebrows over time as he continues to develop physically and mentally. This is a great honor for him at such a young age to reel in such a nice offer for himself. This young man has the potential to become even better than his older brother with focused work ethic and love for the game.
