Watson, Peyton  UCLA 6'8" 203 LPS frosh. 

Watson barely made a dent in the UCLA season as a freshman. He played just 12 minutes per game and averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds on 22.6% 3-PT FG, and 68.8% FT. He had more turnovers than assists. A decorated high school player, Watson came to Westwood with a reputation as a scorer and possible lottery pick. However, the Bruins were trying to win NOW and that meant Watson had to play a small role as an understudy to many returning upperclassman. Watson is a speedy athlete with good transition finishing ability and and a wingspan just over seven feet. In his limited minutes, UCLA was better defensively with him on the floor. He played on the USA Basketball U19 team that won Gold at the 2021 World Cup. Watson is right-handed.  Max. vert. was 33.5" at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine. Watson is a freshman that is the age of a sophomore (he will be 20 when the NBA season starts). ...We believe Watson will be selected in the second round. Watson was a McDonald's All-American and he was named to the 2021 USA Nike Hoop Summit Team. However, the event was not played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watson's body and athleticism scream NBA but it may take some time for him to reach his ceiling. 

 

Our best advice: in 2016, the 53rd pick was Peter Cornelie. We advised, "draft Gary Payton II."

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