Four-star recruit and Roselle Catholic product Akil Watson will be heading across the country to play college hoops when his high school career comes to a close.
Watson, a 6’9″ forward who can stretch the floor as a wing, announced today on social media that he’d given a verbal commitment to Arizona State.
The rising junior emerged as an impact player at Roselle Catholic in his first season with the Lions – Watson previously played two seasons at Don Bosco Prep. He appeared in 30 of 31 games for RC during the 2021-2022 season and averaged 11.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Alongside Simeon Wilcher and Jamarques Lawrence, Watson was integral piece to Roselle Catholic in their quest to win and capture a Non-Public B state title as well as the final Tournament of Champions trophy in New Jersey history.
The connection between Arizona State and New Jersey, in terms of college basketball, is quite clear. ASU head coach Bobby Hurley is a New Jersey native who played for his father – Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley – at the now-defunct St. Anthony’s in Jersey City.
With the high school basketball season only a few months away, Roselle Catholic looks every bit like a Top-5 team in the country to open the year. Simeon Wilcher (North Carolina) and Mackenzie Mgbako (Duke) are two of the most talented players in the country. Watson, along with his younger brother Tarik, will round out that core.
Watch Akil Watson’s Junior Year Highlights
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Roselle Catholic is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.