What is Anton Watson's draft projection? Exploring Gonzaga player's chances to get picked for NBA
Gonzaga Bulldogs star Anton Watson continued to make a name for himself at the NCAA Tournament with another solid outing in Sweet 16 against UCLA. Watson bagged eight points, nine rebounds (five offensive) and a block, leading No. 3 seed Gonzaga to a 79-76 win over the No. 2 seed Bruins on Thursday.
Watson has had a remarkable senior year. He has averaged 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 60.8%. Watson has been the backbone of the Bulldogs this season and has been integral to their successful run so far.
Listed at 6-foot-8, his size, length, defensive versatility and high IQ have been crucial factors behind his rise and the recognition he has received. Watson is the type of player who can do a bit of everything, which is highly important to the team's success.
Anton Watson: Glue guy. https://t.co/Qza9qM5FL1
Anton Watson's draft stock has also risen during his stellar senior year. He wasn't frequently mentioned on the mock draft boards in the preseason, but that will likely change. Watson could be a first-round pick, but if he continues to impact winning like is with the Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament, he could make a push to be a lottery pick.
Anton Watson: Glue guy.
Absorbs the shoulder from Jaquez and strips him as he goes up for the shot. https://t.co/GyFwnxw3Ao
Anton Watson and Gonzaga erase 13-point deficit against UCLA to advance to the Elite 8
Anton Watson and the third-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs scripted a shocking win over No. 2 UCLA Bruins on Thursday in the Sweet 16. The Bulldogs trailed by 13 points at halftime (46-33). Senior Drew Timme, playing his fourth Sweet 16 game in a row, was the lone bright spot in the first half for Gonzaga as he scored 15 points in the first eight minutes.
However, the Bruins took control after Gonzaga failed to build off Timme's hot start. UCLA extended its advantage to double digits entering the break after the Bulldogs failed to take care of the rock, committing nine turnovers that led to15 UCLA points.
The second half was an entirely different story for the Bulldogs. Timme continued his surge and finished with a career-high 36 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, shooting 16 of 24. The difference in the second half was other players stepping up for the Bulldogs. Julian Strawther finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. He also hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with seven seconds left.
STRAWTHER FROM WAY DEEP
GONZAGA HAS THE LEAD 😱
#MarchMadness @ZagMBB https://t.co/jBYf4gpn4q
Gonzaga tightened the screws defensively, led by Anton Watson's efforts on that end of the court. The Bulldogs will aim to win their first NCAA championship after this monumental win.