College basketball's opening day featured plenty of nationally ranked teams and recognizable names, but one of the most entertaining performances came from a player many casual fans probably haven't heard much about.
Jordan Watford made sure that could change.
The Queens sophomore finished with 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds Monday morning, leading the Royals to a 103–98 victory over Winthrop in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon.
Watford didn't simply put together an impressive statistical performance. He delivered when Queens needed him most, helping the Royals withstand a furious second-half comeback after building a substantial lead.
For a program hoping to compete near the top of the ASUN, that kind of performance from a developing young guard is an encouraging sign.
It also gives college basketball fans another name worth following.
6’5 Sophomore PG Jordan Watford put together a very impressive all around performance in his team’s win against Winthrop.
— KJ (@KJScouting) November 2, 2026
Watford finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 10-15 from the field.
The 19 year old PG was one of the top returning… pic.twitter.com/fnFr1fVxkf
Watford did a little bit of everything
Watford's final numbers were outstanding.
He made 10 of his 15 field-goal attempts, scored 26 points and finished just two assists and three rebounds away from a triple-double.
His offensive production was particularly valuable because Queens needed more than scoring.
The Royals were facing a Winthrop team that refused to go away despite trailing by 17 points at halftime. As the Eagles began cutting into the deficit, Queens needed somebody capable of controlling possessions and creating opportunities for teammates.
Watford answered.
He scored 14 points and recorded three assists during the second half, helping Queens maintain its advantage while Winthrop repeatedly threatened to make the game even closer.
One of his most important plays came when he found freshman Caleb Jones for a three-pointer after the Eagles had reduced the deficit to single digits.
That possession demonstrated something more valuable than individual scoring ability.
Watford recognized the situation and created a quality opportunity for a teammate when his team needed a basket.
Queens showed an offense that could be difficult to stop
Watford was the biggest individual story, but the Royals' offensive production extended throughout the roster.
Queens finished with five players scoring in double figures.
Nasir Mann contributed 19 points, Isaiah Henry and Caleb Jones added 15 apiece and Nic McLean finished with 14.
The Royals shot 55.9% from the field, made 10 three-pointers and scored 50 points in the paint.
They also generated 29 fast-break points, demonstrating an ability to turn defensive opportunities into quick offense.
Those numbers are especially impressive considering it was the first regular-season game.
Queens established control early, building a 55–38 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and aggressive offensive play.
Winthrop eventually found its rhythm, but the Royals had already demonstrated how dangerous their offense can become when multiple players contribute.
Winthrop nearly spoiled the celebration
Queens' victory wasn't as comfortable as its early lead suggested.
Winthrop scored 60 points in the second half and received an extraordinary individual performance from Keshawn Fisher.
Fisher finished with 32 points, six rebounds, four blocks and two steals. He made 12 of his 15 field-goal attempts, including five of eight from three-point range.
Spence Sims added 19 points, while George Natsvlishvili contributed 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Eagles repeatedly reduced the deficit, forcing Queens to make important plays late in the game.
That makes Watford's performance even more significant.
He wasn't simply accumulating statistics in a comfortable victory. He helped his team survive an opponent that was scoring at an extraordinary pace after halftime.
The next three games will tell us more
Queens won't have to wait long for additional opportunities to prove itself.
The Royals travel to Loyola Marymount on Wednesday before facing Oklahoma State on Friday and BYU the following Tuesday.
That stretch will provide a much clearer indication of how well Queens can compete outside the ASUN.
It will also give Watford opportunities to demonstrate that his opening performance wasn't a one-game exception.
The sophomore has already shown he can score efficiently, distribute the basketball and produce in important moments.
Now comes the challenge of doing it consistently.
College basketball's national conversation will naturally revolve around programs such as Duke, Florida, Arizona and UConn.
But the sport's depth is part of what makes it special.
On opening day, Watford provided a reminder that some of the most interesting players in the country can be found far outside the traditional national spotlight.
If Monday was any indication, Queens has a player worth watching throughout the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google