Top-25 prospect Peyton Watson dedicated to UCLA on Monday, providing the Bruins the top-ranked player from the state of California for the first time since 2018.
Watson selected UCLA over a long list of schools that included Gonzaga, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Michigan.
” Im the No. 1 player in California, and I seem like UCLA is the initial blue blood,” Watson told ESPN. “Its hard to pass up an amazing school where my parents can see me play and have the assistance of my neighborhood behind me.”
Watson, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, is ranked No. 25 in the ESPN 100 for 2021. He balanced 23.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists last season.
Watson took official visits to Gonzaga, Washington and Arizona and went to UCLA multiple times unofficially for video games.
” Im a substantial family guy,” Watson said. “It implies a lot to me that my household will be able to concern the video games.”
Watson is Mick Cronins 2nd ESPN 100 commitment in the 2021 class, joining four-star shooting guard Will McClendon. Cronins first full recruiting class in Westwood included simply one gamer, four-star Jaylen Clark, following five-star point player Daishen Nixs choice to bypass college for the G League.
Cronin also landed Kentucky move Johnny Juzang, a former top-30 recruit who received a waiver to play right away next season for the Bruins.
When Watson arrives on campus, hell join a team that will stay mostly intact from the 2020-21 season, with just one senior expected on that team.
” I think I can make a substantial impact right away with my versatility and ability,” he said. “My objective is to lead UCLA to a nationwide champion.”
On A Mission Tryna Shift The Culture. 100% COMITTED!!! pic.twitter.com/m3dekuNR5j— Peyton Watson (@peytonfromlb) July 28, 2020
