NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Pros and cons of each landing spot for Trendon Watford

LSU Tigers

Pros

First and foremost, Watford would get to stay close to home if he were to attend LSU. Every remaining school on Watford’s list is in the eastern part of America, so staying near to home is clearly of importance to him. LSU presents him with that opportunity.

Additionally, LSU would give Watford the chance to be the centerpiece of a competitive team. The Tigers are expected to lose up to five players from last season’s team to the NBA Draft, therefore Watford would clearly have the opportunity to produce from day one.

Finally, LSU has been successful in developing NBA talent in recent years, with Naz Reid, Tremont Waters, and Emmitt Williams all being players that could hear their names called in July’s draft from last season’s LSU team.

Cons

While losing several key players from last year’s team surely gives Watford the opportunity to flourish, it eliminates any chance of a National Championship, and perhaps even an NCAA Tournament berth. LSU is going to drop-off no matter what next year, and adding just Watford will not save them.

Even though Will Wade is returning to LSU amidst the ongoing FBI investigation, the threat of sanctions against the program is very prevalent. Would Watford want to take a chance on a program that is filled with question marks both on and off the court?

LSU would cater a few of Watford’s specific needs, but I believe that committing to LSU is far too much of a risk.