Maurice Watson, Jr. - Boston Univ transfer

[ShockTalk]

He also had 8 less TOs in 1100 fewer minutes than our Top 2 PGs.

Assists and steals don't always tell the whole story. A guy can rack up a lot of assists, but be a risk-taker that turns the ball over too much for a system to be effective (Fridge Holman). A guy can get a lot of steals, but take too many risks and give up a lot of easy baskets as a result (every guard at Bradley the past 3 years).

And foul a lot.

[7hottamales]

He also had 8 less TOs in 1100 fewer minutes than our Top 2 PGs.

Assists and steals don't always tell the whole story. A guy can rack up a lot of assists, but be a risk-taker that turns the ball over too much for a system to be effective (Fridge Holman). A guy can get a lot of steals, but take too many risks and give up a lot of easy baskets as a result (every guard at Bradley the past 3 years).

...and Watson's A/TO ratio was 2.4 to Baker's of 1.8...and FG% of 50% to Baker's 46%...and points/game of 13.1 compared to Baker's 13.1.

We can do this all day. He even averaged roughly the same number of rebounds/game as Baker at 5'10". The guy is obviously a stud. I'd say having him as a third guard option in two years (or fall back if Baker goes pro after next) and then as a 5th year point guard would be a huge boost in ensuring WSU's stability at play maker.

It's obvious why our coaches see the value in kicking the tires here. I find it interesting that a portion of our fan base dismisses him as an intriguing option so quickly.

Don't take him because of foul trouble?! Are you kidding me? He averaged 31.2 minutes/game and we generally prefer to play a liberal rotation. I think it's safe to say that's not on anyone's radar screen.

[Shock Top]

I think if and when we add someone though, it will be a big man.

[calfan]

This kid would be a good get for WSU.

Who says WSU is only going to take one more player?

The message board of course. The message board knows all LOL.

[WSUwatcher]

The coaching staff knows what it's doing, so I'm not worried. Meanwhile, I predict he won't be a Shocker. I believe it was Marshall himself who was recently quoted as saying the Shocks were still recruiting, and would take the best "player" (singular) they could.

Hmmm, calfan -- and who says, "This kid would be a good get for WSU"? The message board, of course. LOL indeed.

[pinstripers]

would be a stupid use of a scholarship, imo

[shock]

would be a stupid use of a scholarship, imo

Armstead 2.0

[proshox]

HCGM loves play makers that are have some attitude. I think Clevin, Joe, and Malcolm all had similar descriptions to this guy. This kid's stats show he can play with the big boys at a very high level. The negativity expressed in this thread is mind blowing.

[ShockTalk]

HCGM loves play makers that are have some attitude. I think Clevin, Joe, and Malcolm all had similar descriptions to this guy. This kid's stats show he can play with the big boys at a very high level. The negativity expressed in this thread is mind blowing.

Most of the "negativity" is secondary to playing time. It is not unreasonable to think that FVV will be here his senior year given players like Napier and Craft having done so. So where does Watson's minutes come from his junior year. I don't see him sitting out a year, then playing backup to Fred. I doubt you would see a back court combo of 5'11" and 5'10". He would get more exposure and experience staying where he is than doing this.

The next main item is no one here knowing what our scholarship status is. If we happen to have one available, a 4/5 player seems to be our biggest need for next year, not a RS PG. If two happen to be available, that changes things.

[Dave Stalwart]

Could it be that our interest in experienced transfer guards was a radar scan for potential new Bakers had he made the decision to leave?

It's like shaving

[shockmonster]

Most of the "negativity" is secondary to playing time. It is not unreasonable to think that FVV will be here his senior year given players like Napier and Craft having done so. So where does Watson's minutes come from his junior year. I don't see him sitting out a year, then playing backup to Fred. I doubt you would see a back court combo of 5'11" and 5'10". He would get more exposure and experience staying where he is than doing this.

The next main item is no one here knowing what our scholarship status is. If we happen to have one available, a 4/5 player seems to be our biggest need for next year, not a RS PG. If two happen to be available, that changes things.

Could be several things in play here to make a decision. 1. We don't take just any 4/5. It has to be a top notch player or we don't waste a scholarship. 2. If they really expect a chance that Baker may go next year and they need a ready made, experienced, athletic player to replace him. 3. He would have one year after FVV to run the team. 4. He is a high level athlete that we don't get a chance at very often. 5 .They are gauging interest at this point and no final decision has been made. A lot of over reactions based on little information at this time but this often happens on SN.

[ShockTalk]

Could be several things in play here to make a decision. 1. We don't take just any 4/5. It has to be a top notch player or we don't waste a scholarship. 2. If they really expect a chance that Baker may go next year and they need a ready made, experienced, athletic player to replace him. 3. He would have one year after FVV to run the team. 4. He is a high level athlete that we don't get a chance at very often. 5 .They are gauging interest at this point and no final decision has been made. A lot of over reactions based on little information at this time but this often happens on SN.

All good points, @shockmonster:. I hope your #1 becomes a moot point. As for #2, while a 5'11" and 5'10" starting backcourt doesn't give me warm fuzzies, UConn has done OK this year. Of course, their guards are a little taller and they do have a lot of bigger players that can spread the offense and, as a team, have no shortage of shot blockers.

[1979Shocker]

Could be several things in play here to make a decision. 1. We don't take just any 4/5. It has to be a top notch player or we don't waste a scholarship. 2. If they really expect a chance that Baker may go next year and they need a ready made, experienced, athletic player to replace him. 3. He would have one year after FVV to run the team. 4. He is a high level athlete that we don't get a chance at very often. 5 .They are gauging interest at this point and no final decision has been made. A lot of over reactions based on little information at this time but this often happens on SN.

1. Luckily we don't have a scholarship to waste.
2. I think Baker will be here to graduate with the Seniors. The only way I see him leaving early would be because his family has financial problems. And I don't see that. If it's about the money, the money will be there the following year, too.

[ShockTalk]

1. Luckily we don't have a scholarship to waste.
2. I think Baker will be here to graduate with the Seniors. The only way I see him leaving early would be because his family has financial problems. And I don't see that. If it's about the money, the money will be there the following year, too.

I don't know how good of money the lower 1st rounders get, but if one had about as good a season as their going to have and have solid assurances they would go in the first round, one wouldn't need to have financial problems to make a decision to leave. The following year may not be as good or, worse, one might have an injury that could hurt his standing. The following year's class could also be a better and deeper class and push one out of the 1st round.

[pinstripers]

I don't know how good of money the lower 1st rounders get, but if one had about as good a season as their going to have and have solid assurances they would go in the first round, one wouldn't need to have financial problems to make a decision to leave. The following year may not be as good or, worse, one might have an injury that could hurt his standing. The following year's class could also be a better and deeper class and push one out of the 1st round.

See Matt Leinhart