Watson

[twincyties]

It can force the opponent to go deep too. Both for getting tired and fouls. Not saying I want to play exactly like WVU but when officials are bad WVU’s opponents actually end up with more fouls than WVU yet obviously playing less physically.

That’s an interesting observation. WVU is one of those teams that’s consistently had success by making you play their style of basketball. Which most teams don’t want to do and aren’t equipped to do.

I kept thinking yesterday that we were kind of doing that to Kansas. The pace and style of play was more fit for us than them. We’ve all best this dead horse, but we’re a couple of layups and unforced errors from winning that game yesterday.

Hoibergs teams were obviously prettier on the eyes, but have to admit TJs might be a better identity for us in the long haul.

 

[twincyties]

If he can be deadly from the corner that will be a nice weapon down the stretch

Form what I recall, Watson was a solid three point shooter in high school. Classic “three and D” kind of player. So those shots may not be an anomaly. Saw a lot of HS highlights with him hitting those corner threes. That’s a game changer down the road if he’s a legitimate outside threat that teams have to respect.

 

[CyberJJJ]

His senior year of high school he scored more than 14 pts. per game. In the state championship game they put him on a hot scorer for the other team in the second half to focus on shutting him down. He had 3 blocks in that game, but averaged over 4 a game for the year.

Demarion Watson - Men's Basketball - Iowa State University Athletics

Demarion Watson (4) Guard - 2022-23 Appeared in 29 games off the bench ... was second on the team with 15 blocked shots ... scored a season-high seven points in

cyclones.com

 

[clonechemist]

Form what I recall, Watson was a solid three point shooter in high school. Classic “three and D” kind of player. So those shots may not be an anomaly. Saw a lot of HS highlights with him hitting those corner threes. That’s a game changer down the road if he’s a legitimate outside threat that teams have to respect.

Agree and this is why I think Ejim is a great comp. Good size and athleticism to rebound and guard 4 positions, and solid ability to hit open 3’s (and height to rise up and hit it over many defenders), though not a great handle for driving. If he can develop that shot and defend at elite level, he could easily grow into an all conference weapon. Also can greatly aid in spreading the floor to open it up for the rest of the offense.

 

[HFCS]

That’s an interesting observation. WVU is one of those teams that’s consistently had success by making you play their style of basketball. Which most teams don’t want to do and aren’t equipped to do.

I kept thinking yesterday that we were kind of doing that to Kansas. The pace and style of play was more fit for us than them. We’ve all best this dead horse, but we’re a couple of layups and unforced errors from winning that game yesterday.

Hoibergs teams were obviously prettier on the eyes, but have to admit TJs might be a better identity for us in the long haul.

As long as the offense is at least decent. We’ve gone from 170ish last year to 70ish this year in adj offense and that’s enough to still have a game like yesterday fun to watch.

 

[cyfan92]

Watson is going to be target #1 for TONS of programs this off season. The kids is dripping with potential

 

[twincyties]

Watson is going to be target #1 for TONS of programs this off season. The kids is dripping with potential

You mean like he’s going to the portal?

 

[allfourcy]

Of all possible returning seniors, I'm least worried about grill. I believe he's already stated he wants to get his masters. BRE and Ward would be the 2 to wonder about. I'd think Ward would be least likely to return, but who knows.

I suppose it depends if he sees himself getting quality minutes.
(meaning Ward)

 

[Cyforce]

I suppose it depends if he sees himself getting quality minutes.
(meaning Ward)

Why are we giving up on Ward? He has talent, but the late arrival from visa issues was a set back. Even the freshmen were here over the summer.

 

[CyberJJJ]

That’s an interesting observation. WVU is one of those teams that’s consistently had success by making you play their style of basketball. Which most teams don’t want to do and aren’t equipped to do.

I kept thinking yesterday that we were kind of doing that to Kansas. The pace and style of play was more fit for us than them. We’ve all best this dead horse, but we’re a couple of layups and unforced errors from winning that game yesterday.

Hoibergs teams were obviously prettier on the eyes, but have to admit TJs might be a better identity for us in the long haul.

TJ teams will be "prettier" on offense as he has additional talent coming in.

 

[CloniesForLife]

Watson is going to be target #1 for TONS of programs this off season. The kids is dripping with potential

I LOVE Watson's potential and what he's shown so far but I honestly don't see him being a transfer target for people. It's not like he's putting up big numbers.

 

[twincyties]

I LOVE Watson's potential and what he's shown so far but I honestly don't see him being a transfer target for people. It's not like he's putting up big numbers.

Agree - I don’t see him leaving. He’s getting solid minutes on a top 15 team. And he’ll likely get as much or more next year. Unless he really wants to be the “man” somewhere on a $hitty team. I’m which case he probably could have done that out of high school.

Unless anyone has information to suggest he’s unhappy this seems like completely unfounded speculation

 

[Cydkar]

I can see it a little. People forget Ejim had stone hands that first year and developed into one of our smoothest players ever. Everybody always brings up Naz as the most improved of all time but Ejim from freshman forced into action to Big 12 POTY is very likely our most improved player ever over a career.

They're both definitely guys that rebound better than their size should indicate.

I’ll never forget his stone hands.

 

[Clyde4cy]

I’ll never forget his stone hands.

When he was at ISU I often dwelt on his shortcomings(e.g. failed on a dunk attempt against Notre Dame). As time has passed I have come to appreciate his relentless effort and how it formed the back bone of the Hoiberg years.

Errbody dunking the ball, not you Iowa State

Day two of the NCAA Tournament has been filled with impressive dunks. Iowa State tried to join the party. It failed.

www.sbnation.com

 

[Cyclad]

I think TJ will do all he can to convince Grill to return next year.

Agree
And let’s be honest - Grill is not going to the NBA. I love Grill - energy, hustle, rebounding, defense are off the charts. Occasionally shoots well. I think he is having fun, he loves TJ and ISU too ( I think). Unless he is burned out (doubt it) or just wants to move on with his life - I think he returns. I have no inside info, but I think there is a greater than 50% chance he returns.

 

[davegilbertson]

I thought D. Watson would be the project player that Eli King has turned out to be. Mainly because of Watson's slight frame. Think of what he can become when he does fill out and muscle up a bit.

By the way, I thought the same thing about Haliburton, but it is easier to be slight framed at point guard than at the 3 position that Watson is playing

Game has changed. Took me a few years to recognize, but Larry Johnson/David Robinson days are the past.

 

[CycloneVet]

Game has changed. Took me a few years to recognize, but Larry Johnson/David Robinson days are the past.

So you are saying that Larry Johnson and David Robinson wouldn’t be successful in this era of college basketball?

 

[mb7299]

When he was at ISU I often dwelt on his shortcomings(e.g. failed on a dunk attempt against Notre Dame). As time has passed I have come to appreciate his relentless effort and how it formed the back bone of the Hoiberg years.

Errbody dunking the ball, not you Iowa State

Day two of the NCAA Tournament has been filled with impressive dunks. Iowa State tried to join the party. It failed.

www.sbnation.com

Ejim would have been perfect for this year's team, crazy how little effort was put toward doing the dirty work under Hoiberg, it was pure let's out talent other teams. While it was fun it's not what people from Iowa appreciate the most. We love the hard working, scrappy teams that overachieve. It was smart of Hoiberg to leave when he did because as we've seen what he does doesn't work long term.

 

[twincyties]

Am I the only one that thinks people are overstating how skinny or slight-framed Watson is? He’s 6-6 215. Ejim and Hogue were listed at only 5 pounds more and I don’t think anyone categorized them as really slim.

 

[Al_4_State]

I’m excited about Watson. I don’t think it’s talked about enough what it really says about him that TJ gives him these many minutes as a freshman. And in clutch time on the road. Stats don’t jump off the page, but the staff clearly sees something.

He's a guy who clearly has a huge motor and hustles his ass off. He clearly has a lot of athleticism. Now, he's starting to really put his game together, play in control, and make big shots. I think he's gonna explode next year.