Overview: Watford is a 6-9, 230-pound sophomore forward from Birmingham, Ala. He started all 31 games and recorded four double-doubles as a freshman last season, averaging 12 points per game. He led the team with 187 rebounds, averaging a team-high 6 per game. Watford was also the team's best free throw shooter, hitting 80 percent of his tries. As a senior at Shades Valley High School, he averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds per game and was rated the No. 34 prospect by Rivals in the 2009 class.
Best case: Watford throws away notions of a sophomore slump, and his transition to more of a small forward position is a wild success. His mid-range and long-range game come alive while cleaning the glass on either end of the floor. He's a mismatch on the offensive end, as he drives past bigger forwards and posts up smaller ones. His points per game totals peak in the 15-18 points per game range, and he's the perfect complement to Maurice Creek's game.
Worst case: Watford is too slow to succeed at the three, too small to succeed at the four. His pure talent allows him to contribute on a regular basis, but he can't find a consistent role to help the team as a whole. He forces too many shots out of his range and turns the ball over when trying to drive the lane. He goes for 12 points and 5 rebounds per game, proving him a solid but not exceptional role player.
Outlook: A member of the All-Big Ten freshman team a year ago, Watford should have a smooth transformation to a hybrid small/power forward this season. He has decent enough post moves to contribute in the paint, but his athleticism and range make him a much more dangerous threat as a three. If Creek and Matt Roth stay healthy, there will be plenty of space on the floor for Watford to do his thing. If he is aggressive and gets to the foul line, he can knock down the freebies better than other big men in the conference. His added strength and experience as a full-time starter should push him to an exceptional season.
