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Oakland Basketball: Grizzlies make big move with landing Rocket Watts

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 25, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Rocket Watts (0) celebrates during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Rocket Watts (0) celebrates during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Basketball had a major successful transfer pickup last offseason in Jamal Cain and hopes to do it again with Rocket Watts.

With over 1,500 transfers both this and last offseason, there are bound to be some that greatly benefit mid-majors. Oakland Basketball was arguably the best example of that a year ago, landing Marquette transfer Jamal Cain. He went from averaging around six points per game in four seasons with the Golden Eagles to averaging a whopping 19.9 ppg and 10.2 ppg this past year.

Cain was the most dominant player in the Horizon League this past season and was Co-Player of the Year alongside Antoine Davis of Detroit Mercy. The Grizzlies won’t have him anymore, as well as All-Freshman wing Micah Parrish but does return point guard Jalen Moore, one of the nation’s leading passers (7.6 apg this past season), as well as landing Wisconsin transfer guard Lorne Bowman II.

Oakland did bring in another transfer, this time one with a high ceiling in Rocket Watts. A former top-40 prospect out of high school, the combo guard out of Detroit, Michigan picked the Michigan State Spartans and spent two years there, starting 31 combined games and averaging over 8.0 ppg. Watts transferred to Mississippi State a year ago and had a setback with injuries, ending up with a smaller role and producing just 4.4 ppg in 13 mpg off the bench.

https://twitter.com/RocketWatts/status/1530691230966980608

After a coaching change, Watts entered the transfer portal again and took a decent amount of time before making a decision. The combo guard could’ve stayed at the high-major level but instead, is now going to the Horizon League and staying close to home.

This is a move that could work perfectly for both sides. Watts could be the next great transfer for the Grizzlies and can build off of Cain’s success this past season. Other mid-major programs such as San Diego State, Loyola-Chicago, UAB, and others have remained in the NCAA Tournament picture thanks in large part due to transfers. Oakland can do that as well, with Watts and Bowman joining the backcourt.

As for Watts himself, he can focus on playing solely off the ball now, which could be what unlocks his potential. Moore is one of the best at setting up teammates and Oakland’s transition offense is elite. The former Spartan and Bulldog guard could easily be a double-digit contributor at the two-spot and with some improved shooting (career 27% three-point shooter) can become an all-conference player.

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Not all players who transfer down like Cain breaks out in a major way so Watts may not be the game-changer some expect for Oakland Basketball next season. But between the potential of both Bowman and Watts, along with the proven production of Moore, the backcourt for the Grizzlies could be scary good in 2022-23.