Debby Wong-USA Today Sports
Name: Christian Watford
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-8
Position: Power Forward
School/Country: Indiana
Latest Stats: 12.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg
A year ago, Indiana forward Christian Watford had the look of a late first, early second round selection. However, the 6-foot-8 prospect made the decision to return to school for his senior season and oddly enough, he didn’t really take the next step in showcasing any improvement. At this point, Watford will be lucky if he hears his name called in the latter portion of the second round on draft night.
After averaging 16.0 points per game as a sophomore, Watford failed to break 13 per contest in either his junior or senior seasons. Now a lot of that can be attributed to the simple fact that the Hooseirs got more talented overall, but either way Watford may very well have hit his ceiling. Watford is listed as a power forward, but he has more than enough ability to stretch the floor and shoot the three ball — just ask the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats.
We will see if one NBA organization takes a chance on Watford later in the second round — if not, he is likely to go undrafted.
Strengths: Watford has good size at 6-foot-8 for a rangy power forward. His ability to step out and hit the three ball makes him a tough match-up for slower forwards. Watford is not afraid to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim and he has shown throughout his career the continued ability to get to the free throw line.
Weaknesses: Watford does not have the greatest of quickness or athleticism, so he is labeled as a power forward despite his ability to play on the perimeter at the collegiate level. Watford was productive when his team needed him to be, but once more talent arrived at Indiana, his numbers decreased — there’s more than enough talent at the NBA level, so what does that mean for Watford’s production overall?
Draft Projection: Late Second to Undrafted
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
