Maurice Watson Jr.
Photo by: Creighton Athletics
Maurice Watson Jr. Withdraws From NBA Draft, Will Return For Senior Season
5/6/2016 7:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Dynamic point guard's 229 assists last year were second most in CU history
OMAHA, Neb. -- Maurice Watson Jr. will be returning to Creighton for the 2016-17 season after the rising senior withdrew his name from consideration for the NBA Draft on Thursday.
The point guard made his announcement via Twitter, writing "I have decided to return for my senior season! Can't wait to get to work with my guys! Big year coming up!"
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A day later in an interview with GoCreighton.com, Watson detailed what went into his decision.
"Sitting back and thinking about the possibilities of next year and the things I came to Creighton to accomplish," said Watson. " While I think we accomplished a goal of having a better season (than the previous year) and I think I made an impact on the team that I wanted to make, we didn't get to the tournament. Seeing the pieces we have next year, I wanted to be a part of something special."
Watson earned Second Team All-BIG EAST accolades during the 2015-16 season at Creighton, leading the team with 14.1 points and 6.5 assists per game. His 229 assists rank second-most in Creighton single-season history, and ranked 10th-most nationally, while his 6.5 assists per game were ninth-best in the country and the best mark by a Bluejay since 1976-77. Watson was named National Player of the Week on Feb. 15th by both CBSSports.com and NBCSports.com after averaging 25.0 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals as Creighton defeated No. 5 Xavier (70-56) and won at Marquette (65-62).
His 639 career assists are the most in the NCAA among players returning to the court in 2016-17, regardless of gender or division. He also owns 1,292 career points when you factor in his first two collegiate seasons at Boston University.
Watson had announced his intention to apply for the draft in late March, knowing that he had until 10 days after the NBA Combine (held May 11-15) to withdraw. He did not receive an invitation to the combine, which he said helped contribute to his decision.
"Before the combine, I prayed and asked God for a sign on what to do. The combine list came out a couple days after that, so I took it as a sign that my work at Creighton wasn't done."
Watson also said Creighton's rabid fan base was part of his decision.
"The fans made a huge difference. The constant support I have from them has been overwhelming. Through the whole thing they told me if I had a chance to leave, to go, and they'd support me in the NBA, but if I came back – which they'd prefer – they'd support me just the same. Getting a second chance to play in front of these amazing fans. I don't think one year was enough. I need one more."
Creighton made its 18th postseason in the last 19 years with last season's trip to the NIT quarterfinals. Coach Greg McDermott's club will return four starters from last year's team that finished 20-15, securing the program's 16th 20-win season in the past 18 years.
Reaction to Watson's announcement was met with praise from college basketball writers nationwide, including...
Rob Dauster, NBCSports.com: "This is huge news, IMO. Watson and Marcus Foster will be one of the nation's best backcourts."
Sam Vecenie, CBS Sports: "College basketball is better next season with Mo Watson around. Should be fun to watch."
Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports: "Creighton will have Big East's best back court in 16-17."
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The point guard made his announcement via Twitter, writing "I have decided to return for my senior season! Can't wait to get to work with my guys! Big year coming up!"
Â
I have decided to return for my senior season! Can't wait to get to work with my guys! Big year coming up! #RollJays pic.twitter.com/LiIFOX3Jqx
— Maurice Watson Jr. (@mauricewatsonjr) May 5, 2016
A day later in an interview with GoCreighton.com, Watson detailed what went into his decision.
"Sitting back and thinking about the possibilities of next year and the things I came to Creighton to accomplish," said Watson. " While I think we accomplished a goal of having a better season (than the previous year) and I think I made an impact on the team that I wanted to make, we didn't get to the tournament. Seeing the pieces we have next year, I wanted to be a part of something special."
Watson earned Second Team All-BIG EAST accolades during the 2015-16 season at Creighton, leading the team with 14.1 points and 6.5 assists per game. His 229 assists rank second-most in Creighton single-season history, and ranked 10th-most nationally, while his 6.5 assists per game were ninth-best in the country and the best mark by a Bluejay since 1976-77. Watson was named National Player of the Week on Feb. 15th by both CBSSports.com and NBCSports.com after averaging 25.0 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals as Creighton defeated No. 5 Xavier (70-56) and won at Marquette (65-62).
His 639 career assists are the most in the NCAA among players returning to the court in 2016-17, regardless of gender or division. He also owns 1,292 career points when you factor in his first two collegiate seasons at Boston University.
Watson had announced his intention to apply for the draft in late March, knowing that he had until 10 days after the NBA Combine (held May 11-15) to withdraw. He did not receive an invitation to the combine, which he said helped contribute to his decision.
"Before the combine, I prayed and asked God for a sign on what to do. The combine list came out a couple days after that, so I took it as a sign that my work at Creighton wasn't done."
Watson also said Creighton's rabid fan base was part of his decision.
"The fans made a huge difference. The constant support I have from them has been overwhelming. Through the whole thing they told me if I had a chance to leave, to go, and they'd support me in the NBA, but if I came back – which they'd prefer – they'd support me just the same. Getting a second chance to play in front of these amazing fans. I don't think one year was enough. I need one more."
Creighton made its 18th postseason in the last 19 years with last season's trip to the NIT quarterfinals. Coach Greg McDermott's club will return four starters from last year's team that finished 20-15, securing the program's 16th 20-win season in the past 18 years.
Reaction to Watson's announcement was met with praise from college basketball writers nationwide, including...
Rob Dauster, NBCSports.com: "This is huge news, IMO. Watson and Marcus Foster will be one of the nation's best backcourts."
Sam Vecenie, CBS Sports: "College basketball is better next season with Mo Watson around. Should be fun to watch."
Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports: "Creighton will have Big East's best back court in 16-17."
Â
This is huge news, IMO. Watson and Marcus Foster will be one of the nation's best backcourts. https://t.co/oObpisaJb8
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) May 5, 2016
Â
College basketball is better next season with Mo Watson around. Should be fun to watch. https://t.co/pn4jGBepmp
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 5, 2016
Â
Creighton will have Big East's best back court in 16-17. https://t.co/6n7D44bcww
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 6, 2016
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