’20 Jamir Watkins on his final schools, spring/summer improvements
The wing position in basketball has been a steady craze at all levels for the last quarter century. The value their versatility brings to a team can immensely impact their chances on being successful. Jamir Watkins is one of the prototypical wings that any team would love to have. At 6-foot-7, tremendous athleticism, ability to knock down the deep ball and defend multiple positions, Watkins positioned himself to be recruited by many high major programs.
On August 15, the Trenton Catholic standout cut his list to five final schools: West Virginia, Virginia Tech, St. John’s, VCU and Seton Hall.
I recently caught up with Watkins at Will Barton Camp, where he was a standout through every portion of camp.
When I asked Watkins if any of these five programs had separated themselves from the pack, he told me that all keep in contact consistently every day. That in itself was a big factor in why these five schools made the final cut from his list of 14 total offers.
“They all say that I fit in well with their systems,” Watkins said. “They all say that I could come in right away and make an impact.”
Watkins told me that he has scheduled his official visit to VCU for September August 30-31 before he heads to Virginia Tech for his official visit on September 6-8. He’s still working on scheduling visits with St. John’s, West Virginia and Seton Hall.
Watkins experienced a major uptick in his recruitment this summer. Playing with Team Final, he averaged 9.1 points per game on 44.8 percent shooting from the field, while also cashing in at the charity strip with a 81.5 success rate. At Peach Jam alone, Watkins averaged 13 points per game with a 45.8/76.2/41.7 shooting split. He pulled down 6.8 rebounds during the five games at Peach Jam as well.
“I would say ball handling, shooting and talking more on the court,” Watkins told Prep Hoops as he reflected on improved areas of his game. “I really think talking more and just getting stronger got me to where I am now with my recruitment.”
In terms of what to expect from Watkins at the next level, there may not be one separate mold you can fit him into.
“I feel like I can play any position,” Watkins said. “I can do anything. I can shoot it, I can get the rebound and go and just be a basketball player. Schools have told me they see me playing the two, three or four at times. If they play me at the four, it means I’ll be matched up with a bigger guy so I can bring them out on the perimeter and beat them off the dribble.
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— Jamir watkins (@mirwatkins2) July 2, 2019