Monday, July 28, 1997
Recruit’s Bruin dream comes true
BASKETBALL:
Versatility, loyalty, work ethic helps Kansas star reach lofty
goal of blue and goldBy James Tamkin
Daily Bruin Staff
With all the latest buzz and hype over the last two recruits to
sign on to the UCLA men’s basketball team, everyone forgot about
sweet-shooting Earl Watson. He signed early, even when things did
not seem so bright for the Bruins because his heart was with UCLA.
It was his dream to play in Pauley Pavilion.
The 6-foot-2-inch guard from Kansas City, Kan., had always hoped
to play basketball for the Bruins. As a senior, he averaged 23
points and 14 rebounds at Washington High, earning him the right to
play almost anywhere in the country, even at Kansas University.
However, Watson wanted to bring his powerhouse skills to the Bruin
court and showcase them this fall.
Dreams of wearing blue and gold started early for Watson. He
remembers watching Bruin basketball in the second grade and
admiring their typical fast-paced style. He started playing with
friends, family, and at the local YMCA to achieve his aspiration of
becoming a Bruin. After making the varsity team as a freshman at
Washington High, Watson’s talents continued to develop.
Although nine teammates transferred in the last two years from
Washington High, Watson’s loyalty and hard work for the team won
him great respect from head coach Leonard Sparkman. Sparkman’s
disciplined approach clearly worked for Watson.
He told the Kansas City Star, "Coaching Earl has been a very
easy task. He knows the game of basketball and wants to win. Earl
is playing with a lot of confidence. His leadership has jumped
clear to the top of the scale."
Stressing continuous hard work, Watson in his senior year earned
first-team selection on the Kansas City Star’s All-Metro team after
an honorable mention as a junior. In his senior year, he led the
Wildcats to their first Kansas City League Conference Title since
1975.
Watson still continues to refine his game and improve his skills
in order to prepare for the next level of basketball. Instead of
shooting the three-pointer whenever he gets a chance, he looks for
the open man. Watson’s flexibility proves especially attractive to
the Bruins. He can play point or shooting guard to complement Baron
Davis. Watson looks forward to playing with the freshman point
guard who was the Bruins’ prize recruit. Watson and Davis met last
year at the Nike All-American Camp in Indianapolis, Ind.
Coach Steve Lavin is looking forward to having Watson on his
team. "He is a quality young man who will be a great addition to
the Bruin family. We feel he has a bright collegiate future playing
combination guard for us," says Lavin.
Although Watson always had visions of playing for the Bruins, it
would seem logical that he would consider attending nearby
University of Kansas and becoming a Jayhawk. He would be close to
his family and play in front of a home town. Yet Watson said, "The
chemistry between me and the (Kansas) basketball program was not
there."
Instead, Watson connected with Bruin coach Steve Lavin. "He’s a
player’s coach," says Watson. Even though the firing of former
coach Jim Harrick caused Watson some concern, he decided to honor
his UCLA commitment.
"Playing at UCLA was my childhood dream," Watson said. "As long
as Steve Lavin was on the coaching staff, I’d come to UCLA."
It is a possibility that Watson’s friend, 6-foot-6-inch JaRon
Rush, one of the best juniors in the nation from Pembroke Hills
School in Kansas City, Mo., will join him at UCLA.
"It will probably be a big influence on him since I am at UCLA,"
Watson said. "But he will still have to make his own decision."
Watson’s determination helps him work hard on and off the court.
He plans to study business and law. "School comes first," insists
Watson.
This summer he is enjoying his favorite hobby, reading. He
particularly likes biographies of famous leaders, like Martin
Luther King and Frederick Douglas. Besides reading about men with
dreams, Earl Watson has reached the first step in achieving his own
dream: to have a major impact on Bruin basketball history.
The Kansas City Star
Earl Watson, future Bruin guard.