Paradise Valley High School's 6-foot-6 junior wing Paul Watson is as good a prospect as there is in the state of Arizona right now and many college programs across the country are taking notice.
Watson had a big junior season, his best of his high school career - leading his Trojans this season to a 24-6 overall record on the season and a quarterfinal finish in the Division-II state playoffs, after a narrow overtime loss to Kellis HS (52-51).
Watson averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per/game this season.
I caught up with Watson today and he advised me that he currently has offers from 6 different schools. He told me that he currently has offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Fresno State, Boise State, Texas Tech and Oregon State. Watson also advised me that he has heavy interest from the University of Arizona, and that he is hopeful that he may get an offer from the Wildcats in the near future.
Watson also has received serious interest from many other high major division-I schools, and definitely will look to gain many more offers this spring and summer as the AAU/club season continues to develop.
Watson advised me that he plans to play through the spring and summer before reaching a decision. He is currently wide open in his college recruitment.
When asked when he will make his decision, he told me "probably the end of the summer time - going into my senior year."
Watson is a sure-fire talent with a nice skillset and excellent athleticism, combined with very good size for the wing position. He definitely passes the eye-test as a college prospect.
Our staff selected Watson last summer for an invite to the prestigious Reebok Breakout Camp in Philadelphia, PA. Watson impressed the scouts and media in attendance last summer with his play - enough to earn a Top 50 national ranking among the 2013 class by Rivals.com after the event. Since the summer, Watson has seen his national ranking drop some, as if often does for Arizona prospects, but he will look to regain it back this spring and summer.
Watson will compete on the circuit this spring and summer with a loaded team known as The Magic - relation to the Compton Magic (CA) organization.
Watson is also a very good student and advised me that he has a 3.2 CUM GPA.
Arizona Preps will continue to follow the recruitment of Watson closely and bring you updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Watson is a nice wing prospect with a combination of size, skill and athleticism. Similar to that of Indiana Pacer's (NBA) young forward Paul George, Watson is able to make plays for himself or others off the dribble, while being able to finish plays around the basket. A terrific athlete, Watson is able to make plays many cannot as a result of his excellent body control and bounce off the floor. He has a good handle of the basketball and is very versatile - his best asset as a player. A good rebounder, as a result of his athleticism and length, Watson needs to focus more on this area of his game to maximize his potential as a player. He is a good defender that plays the passing lanes, and has the potential to become a much better defender with more focus in this area as well. He is a good shooter with range, but is at his best from mid-range where he is able to jump over defenders and score or finish plays at the rim. Watson has the potential to become a very good talent at the next level, so it will be very important what playing style he chooses in college. He will be at his best in an up-tempo playing style. A very nice prospect that is a high-major recruit.
