Anton Watson

Jersey: 22 Position: F

Age: 23 Height: 6-8 Weight: 225

Hometown: Spokane, Washington, United States

Birthdate: Oct. 6, 2000

Bio: Led Gonzaga Prep to a pair of 4A state championships. Named Associated Press Seattle Times All-State Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Two-time state tournament MVP. Two-time Greater Spokane League MVP. Scored 33 points as a senior in state championship win over Mt. Si. Averaged 21.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists as senior. Nominated for McDonald's All-American game. One of the last cuts from Team USA's U19 World Cup squad. Averaged 21.9 points and 8.2 rebounds as a junior, helping G-Prep to 27-0 record. No. 48 in 247sports' composite rankings for 2019 class. Started and played in every game in his senior season. Ended the season with a career-high 66 steals, second-most in the WCC and the fourth-most steals in a single season in Gonzaga men’s basketball history. Moved into second in steals (17), fifth in rebounds (73), and tenth in blocked shots (8) in the NCAA Tournament in program history. Grabbed 88 offensive rebounds as a senior, which was the second highest on the team and the fourth highest in the WCC. Recorded a career-high eight assists against Pepperdine and tied a career-high 13 rebounds against Pacific as a senior. Watson ended his senior year with seven double-doubles.

Sr. Scouting report: A returning senior, Watson is taking advantage of his extra COVID season of eligibility. After starting in every game in 2022-23, Watson is expected to be a strong veteran presence and will take on a bigger role with four years of experience in the program. After withdrawing his name from the 2023 NBA draft, Anton Watson will be a key player on the defensive end and will be relied on to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor.

Sr. Scouting report: Candidate for starting forward spot after mostly coming off the bench the last three seasons. Second among returners in career games played in a GU uniform (79) and a versatile defensive presence. Led all GU bench players in minutes (18.5 per game) last season and set career bests in points (7.3), rebounds (4.7), assists (1.9), 3-point percentage (22.7), free-throw percentage (69.8) and steals (1.3). Scored in double figures in 13 games and reached double figures in rebounds four times.

Jr. Scouting report: Proven veteran has been a well-rounded skill set that could make him a full-time starter for Bulldogs in year three, but will need to show more consistency on both ends of the floor.

So. Scouting report: Moved into a more significant role at the beginning of the season, gradually upping his scoring average as the season progressed. Played in every game and started in 17 of first 18. Scored a season-high 23 against Portland on Jan. 9 and grabbed 10 rebounds against Pacific the next game. Was perfect from field (7 of 7) in NCAA Tournament opener against Norfolk State, scoring 17 points with seven rebounds. Had seven double-digit scoring efforts, averaging 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Fr. Scouting report: Played in 15 games and started five times. Averaged 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.7 minutes. Shot 53.% (28 of 52) from the field. Missed the final 14 games of the season with a shoulder injury.