Rocket Watts finished last year strong, and that impressive final stretch has him on the lookout by many as we enter the upcoming season — including Jon Rothstein of College Hoops Today.
In September, Rothstein listed Watts as one of the top breakout players in the Big Ten entering the 2020-21 season, and this week he elevated that claim to one of the top breakout players in all of college basketball.
“Watts averaged 17.8 points during Michigan State’s final four games of last season before things were shut down due to COVID-19. If he can keep his offense elite while also creating for his teammates, this 6-2 sophomore has the requisites to be one of the best players in the Big Ten,” Rothstein wrote on Watts.
Watts averaged 9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season, and as Rothstein said really came on strong down the stretch for the Spartans. The sophomore guard is expected to take on a larger role this year with Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman off to the NBA. It is unknown at this point if Watts will take over Winston’s spot as the lead point guard or if he’ll remain more of a scoring threat off the ball.
Click here to read the entire list of players that made Rothstein’s breakout list, including two other guys from Big Ten squads.
