Oklahoma forward headed to Pac-10
You can't blame James Watson, a 6-foot-8, 185-pound forward from Stringtown (Okla.) High School, for smiling so much these days. He's cracking a smile so big, he said he might even be looking for a doctor to help remove the teethy grin off of his face.
Watson verbally committed to Washington State after a heated recruitment that covered a lot of geography.
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"I've been smiling so big, I might need a plastic surgeon," Watson said.
How's that for a confirmation? The Pac-10 school jumped into the mix for the summer sleeper after his promising showing in Las Vegas in July. Tony Bennett has made a strong impression on Watson.
"The relationship is going good so far. He's a good guy," Watson said. "He's the coach of the year nationally and he knows some things about basketball. I like how he wants to get me an education and not just recruit me for basketball. I can give you a lot of details but I might cry."
Watson is one of the 52 people in his class and the small town draw of Pullman was enticing.
"Pullman is the biggest city I've ever been to," he said with a laugh.
Watson also considered Missouri State, where he visited last weekend, and others. The draw of the Pac-10 conference helped in the process, Watson said.
"I was so happy that somebody from the Pac-10 wanted me. They usually play against players that are going to the NBA," Watson said. "They aren't playing against just anybody. I like challenges and they are going to help me get better. I'm ready for that Pac-10."
Given Washington State's success and the continued improvement of Watson, Bennett might be the one in need of a plastic surgeon in the near future.