Overview: Watford is a 6-9, 225 pound forward out of Birmingham, Ala. As a sophomore last season, Watford averaged a team-high 16 points per game, good for 10th in the Big Ten. Watford's 5.4 rebounds per game were also the most of any IU player. An 84.3 percent free-throw shooter, Watford finished second in the conference from the charity stripe in 2010-11. In 2009-10, Watford was voted Big Ten Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and FoxSports.com. Watford came into IU ranked as the No. 6 small forward in the 2009 class by Rivals.com.
Best Case: Watford becomes to go-to scorer that IU hasn't had since Eric Gordon. His transition back to the wing allows him to have a physical advantage over every small forward in the Big Ten. Watford continues to develop as a legitimate threat from the perimeter while also becoming a better finisher on the interior. Instead of simply drawing contact and going to the free-throw line for two, Watford's improved body control allows him to complete old fashion three-point plays. Watford becomes a guy that can put up 20 and 10 on any given night for the Hoosiers.
Worst Case: Watford goes soft. Instead of becoming a big-man that can shoot the three ball, Watford becomes a big man addicted to the three ball. He develops an offensive mindset similar to a Rashard Lewis and fails to utilize his full offensive repertoire. Watford is still able to score in double figures and pull down boards, but ultimately offers IU not much more than a decent 3-point shooter.
Outlook: Nobody on IU fills out a stat sheet without you knowing it like Watford does. But the reason for that is because he still hasn't reached his full potential. Watford has a rare skill set as a guy who is 6-9 and can score from anywhere on the floor. This could be an even bigger breakout year for Watford than last year. If he continues to stroke the three ball with confidence and becomes more physical in the paint, Watford can and will be IU's best offensive player once again.
