Vols natural choice for Watson

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001 | 10:36 a.m.

C.J. Watson has verbally committed to play for the University of Tennessee next season. He's just not 100 percent certain.

So Watson, a Bishop Gorman guard generally considered the state's top college basketball prospect, will take a scheduled trip to Fresno State this weekend despite verbally committing to the Volunteers earlier this week.

"I just wanted to see what they have to offer, so I have something to compare Tennessee to," Watson said. "There might be a little chance I might change my mind, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to Tennessee."

The 6-foot-2 Watson, projected as a point guard in college, visited the Knoxville, Tenn., campus last weekend and liked what he saw, giving Volunteers first-year coach Buzz Peterson a non-binding commitment before he left.

"I already knew I was probably going to go there before the trip," Watson said. "I felt very comfortable there. I met with players and the coaches, and they were great guys. When I told them I was coming, they all gave me hugs."

Watson's parents, Charles and Cathy, both attended high school in nearby Nashville, and they have family living there now.

"He felt really good about (Tennessee) after the visit, and having family close by had a big impact," Cathy Watson said. "He's a family-oriented person, and being there with family members who will stand by his side is important to him."

Watson was planning to take a trip to Minnesota, and was considering visiting UCLA and Iowa State. He said those trips are now off. He said UNLV was also a consideration, but that the school backed off somewhat after getting a commitment from Georgetown transfer Demetrius Hunter, a Cheyenne High product.

A member of the Sun's All-State first team in 2000, Watson averaged 14 points and four steals as the Gaels' starting shooting guard last season. One of the state's most dominant defensive players, he helped Gorman to a 29-3 record, division and regional titles and a runner-up finish in the 4A State Tournament last year.

Over the summer, he served as the starting point guard for California-based AAU squad Pump N Run.

"C.J. is the kind of kid that will fit in anywhere," Gaels coach Grant Rice said. "Anyone who sees him play falls in love with the kid. He doesn't do anything fancy. He just gets it done."

The Volunteers have made four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and finished the 2000-2001 season with a 22-11 record. Peterson came to the school after one year at Tulsa, where his squad went 26-11 last year.

Nov. 7 is the first day basketball players can sign binding scholarship agreements with colleges.