Player Preview: Des Watson

Des Watson is without a doubt one of the most exciting players on the Davidson roster. The 6’5, 205 lb wing from Ohio came to Davidson with quite the laundry list of accolades and accomplishments. He was a two-time all-Ohio selection, won multiple 2021 Player of the Year awards, averaged 25/6/4 as a senior, won a district title, and dragged his small high school to the precipice of an Ohio State title where he dueled with a future 1st round pick, Malaki Branham. In high school he flashed awesome scoring ability at all 3 levels to go along with electric athleticism, evidenced by some incredible in-game dunks.

In his first season Des struggled on the offensive side of the ball as he averaged 3 points per game on 33.3% shooting from the field. Showing the type of competitor he is though, he fought to use his athleticism and energy to contribute defensively. It is important to put his stats in context, however. He came from a small high school where he was relied upon heavily to provide most of his team’s offense, and it was obvious that it would take time adjusting to the much faster and stronger level of play he would face in the A10. Furthermore, he had some very promising performances, in particular his first half performance against Fordham in the A10 Tournament, and continued show flashes of what he could be with more development. In fact, his process was often very good, but he had problems with the finish. No matter, his energy and commitment never wavered. In every interview he has done, Watson has shown a great mindset and word is that he has an impeccable work ethic. All of this portends well that he will do good on the potential that his physical tools provide.

I have very high hopes for Watson for this upcoming season. The word is that he has already put a ton of work into his game and has shown marked improvement. I expect him to start alongside Connor Kochera and lock down one of the two wing sports. If his shooting and finishing ability have improved over the offseason, he should make quite the jump in his sophomore season.