Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Macomb’s Connor Watson

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.

MACOMB, Ill. — Connor Watson isn’t a scorer. He’s a creator.

Sure, the Macomb point guard who is headed to play for Brad Hoyt at John Wood Community College can put the ball in the basket. He averaged 13 points per game as a senior. But his ability to handle pressure, distribute and find the right option is what sets him apart.

Watson averaged better than three assists per game during the Bombers’ 25-7 season, but he turned the ball over only 52 times despite being the primary ball-handler.

Couple that IQ with long-range shooting and Watson has the makings of a floor general who could guide the Trail Blazers back to postseason success.

Watson will represent Macomb on the Illinois squad for the second Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.

Here are six things you should know about Connor Watson:

Where you plan to go to college: John Wood Community College

What you plan to study: Business

Reason you wear your number: My favorite player growing up was Derrick Rose, so I wear No. 1 because of it.

Favorite high school basketball memory: The bus rides with my teammates.

Best piece of advice you have ever received: My coach always told me to not get caught up with the highs and the lows of games and to stay level headed.

Best advice you’d give younger teammates: I’d tell them to enjoy every moment of it and not to take anything for granted because it goes by quick.