F: LeJuan Watts (SO)
Height/Weight: 6’6”/233 lbs.
Previous School: Washington State
2024-25 Stats: 13.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 54.9% FG
Offensive Impact
Watts displays one of the more unique skill sets in all of college basketball. He is essentially a 6’6” point forward that can score out of almost any play type. Whether that is through pick and roll, isolation, or in the post, Watts can be a matchup nightmare if you lack versatility as a defense.
He scores primarily through the post, where he is in the 91st percentile in efficiency. He takes advantage of mismatches inside, but Watts can also score with efficiency against players his size or larger due to his combination of strength, quickness, and footwork.
More than a capable passer out of the post as well (25.1% ast rate), but struggles a bit vs double teams. Will make some high level passes in these situations but is also pretty loose with the ball when double teams approach him. 24.7% turnover rate last season.
28th percentile in P&R handler frequency, but we may see Watts operating more in this area in the Texas Tech offense. He will have an elite roll man and lob threat in JT Toppin + plenty of shooters at his disposal that he can distribute the ball to. The Watts/Toppin P&R duo reminds me of the Wolf/Goldin duo from last season to an extent.
Watts is either looking to score at the rim out of P&R or find his roll man with a pocket pass. He never had a lob threat at WSU and he displays finesse with his playmaking, so that should be another avenue for his passing ability.
Has never displayed a real mid-range game off the bounce, so going under ball screens may be the move for opposing defenses.
Scores in isolation when taking slower footed forwards to the perimeter and wins off the bounce.
Scores off the ball as a slasher and cutter, but his value is created when he is an engine to an offense.
This addition should ease the pain of losing Darrion Williams, but they are different types of players.
Have seen Jalen Pickett (Penn State guard) comparisons for Watts, which makes sense, but Watts is a more gifted scorer and less gifted passer.
Watts’ play style certainly creates a boom or bust type of addition, as he is mostly reliant on his skills as a shot creator/distributor and would struggle to create value in a complementary role due to his lack of shooting and offensive rebounding. With that being said, the projected supporting cast should put Watts in a great spot to succeed, and his unique skill set that can exploit mismatches can give any defense problems.
Defensive Impact
Not a very active defender and isn’t a plus athlete either. Can be considered a below average Big 12 wing defender.
Solid on the defensive glass (17.9% DREB rate last season).
Opens hips early and almost welcomes drivers. Part of this was WSU’s defensive system but his footwork could be improved.