Oh, brother!

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, July 25, 2002 | 9:14 a.m.

He has yet to play in a varsity game, but Kashif Watson already feels the eyes of Nevada's basketball world upon him.

As the Bishop Gorman sophomore-to-be quickly is learning, that's what happens when your older brother recently completed one of the most successful prep careers in state history.

In three varsity seasons, C.J. Watson led the Gaels into three state title games, claiming two championships before heading off to the University of Tennessee, where he is expected to compete for the starting point guard spot as a freshman this fall.

Those are some awfully large shoes for anyone to fill, especially a 15-year-old who played at the junior varsity level last season.

"(Kashif) knows there's going to be pressure, but he doesn't back down," Gorman coach Grant Rice said. "He's been around basketball his whole life, and he's seen the recruiting process through his brother. But he's his own person."

Playing for the Skyhawks -- a team comprised of players from Gorman and Silverado -- in this week's adidas Big Time Tournament, Watson has shown signs that he might become a hot Division I prospect as well.

Though Kashif's outside shot and defense will need work before they draw comparisons to C.J.'s game, the younger Watson already possesses an explosive first step, a fearless attitude in the paint and enough basketball savvy to ensure he will be a factor from the outset of his Gorman varsity career.

"He's going to see minutes, and he'll help us out a ton," Rice said. "I think he's ready to step up."

Kashif Watson said he tries not to concern himself with the inevitable comparisons, focusing instead on how to improve his own abilities.

"It's been hard, because my brother is a good player," said Kashif, known to his friends and coaches as "Chief." "But I don't worry about my brother when I'm on the floor."

When it comes time for his own recruiting, however, having a well-known brother can only help Kashif, already on the radar of several top Division I schools.

"He's already getting letters from schools that have never seen him play but know the last name," Rice said.

Rice, of all people, certainly knows about those pros and cons of following in the basketball footsteps of a successful older brother. He and older brother Dave played at UNLV, where Dave Rice serves as an assistant coach.

"I have an older brother, too, and I was always in his shadow, so Chief and I talk about that a lot," Grant Rice said. "He understands there are advantages and disadvantages to it."