The Power of Perseverance
6/25/2021 10:45:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Have you ever wanted something so bad that you'd go through whatever it took because you knew you deserved it? That was the case for Sacred Heart University men's basketball player Alex Watson.
Watson's pursuit of a college scholarship started when he was just five years old. After growing up with an older brother who played basketball and being inspired by the great works of NBA stars like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant, he knew basketball was the sport for him.
"I picked up the basketball when I was about three or four years old, and when I was five I actually started going to the gym with my brother," said Watson. "He is the big reason I wanted to play basketball because seeing him play really made me want to play just so that I could be with him."
Watson's journey to Division 1 started about 800 miles from Sacred Heart in Charlotte, N.C. where he fell in love with college basketball.
"I'm originally from Charlotte and it's either you're a Tarheel fan or a Duke fan, so I've always been a Duke fan," said Watson. "Just watching them play, seeing the crowd, and watching the flow of the game just inspired me as a young kid to play at that next level. I knew I had to get there somehow, so that drove me every time I stepped on the court to work out or for a game."
Watson's wish to someday play college basketball would finally come true one day during his senior year of high school at Alan C. Pope in Marietta, Ga. where his family had move for his mother's job. Despite earning numerous awards, between moving schools and being a late bloomer, Watson wasn't on the radar of a lot of college coaches.
His fortunes changed after a phone call between his AAU coach Lenny Jefferson and Sacred Heart men's basketball head coach Anthony Latina. Watson sent film to Latina and that led to an official visit.
"I came here and it was love at first sight," said Watson. "I liked the team, they embraced me when I came and they showed me love, so I committed. On top of that, the coach was the only one who really showed a lot of interest in me, therefore I had trust that this was the place for me."
Although Watson had reached his dream, there were a few obstacles he had to get past to scratch the surface of his full potential. He said in his first year it was hard to get into a rhythm because of the adjustment from high school to college basketball. The addition of new players limited his court time during his sophomore and junior seasons.
"When those guys left I finally got the opportunity to show who I was about and it felt like it was about time for me to have this chance," said Watson. "My parents gave me guidance every day when I doubted myself, but I never wanted to transfer, because I knew I could play here. I never felt like my talent was less than, so I never quit."
Even though his time didn't come as fast as he thought, Watson did not get discouraged from going after what he wanted. During his senior year, Watson scored more points than he did his first three years combined by averaging 7.3 points per game.
"Alex's journey is one I am very proud of, because even though things didn't go his way early in his career, he continued to work hard and persevere," said Latina. "Too often, when things don't go someone's way, individuals will quit and look for an easier way out. Alex did not do this! I believe his journey will serve him well because he will be even more prepared to face any future adversity that may come his way."
His teammates have also taken note of his efforts while spending time with him on and off the court. Watson is a shining example to the younger players on the team on how to work through adversity.
"Getting to know Alex has been great because I feel like he and I relate to many things and share similar experiences, so it made our conversation easy from the jump," first-year Quest Harris said. "I can say he's a brother, we have the type of relationship where if I need something or have questions about anything I could always go to him."
Even during COVID Watson made sure to continue to work on the little things whenever he could for the team to have a good year. His perseverance has inspired those around him and has shone light on the team for the following season.
"I think his willingness to play his role and buy into the team is his best skill," said Harris. "There's days he scores a lot and days he has to take the assignment of making sure the opposing team's best player doesn't get what he wants. This is something he's told me he takes pride in, and something he had to grow into, so I'm glad he trusted the process because it encourages me to do the same."
With the extra year of eligibility because of COVID, Watson is back for a fifth year during the 2021-22 season. He said he wants to average more points as well as earn Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year while leading the Pioneers to the conference tournament as the number one seed.
"Alex returning means that he has enjoyed his experience enough to want to come back," said Latina. "It means we are getting the best defensive player in our program as well as an excellent leader back, and it means we are getting a very intelligent person and player back to be an excellent mentor to our young players again next year."
Watson won't only be returning to the Pioneer community to help pursue a championship, but also to get his master's degree in criminal justice after receiving his bachelor's this spring. Watson has learned a lot as a collegiate athlete and how trusting the process has worked out for him.
"I know it sounds corny, but if it's your dream and aspiration, go after it and never give up," added Watson. "There will be moments of doubt in your life where you feel like you can't catch a break, but I've been in your shoes, so when you finally get an opportunity take advantage of it and keep your dream alive."
Watson's pursuit of a college scholarship started when he was just five years old. After growing up with an older brother who played basketball and being inspired by the great works of NBA stars like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant, he knew basketball was the sport for him.
"I picked up the basketball when I was about three or four years old, and when I was five I actually started going to the gym with my brother," said Watson. "He is the big reason I wanted to play basketball because seeing him play really made me want to play just so that I could be with him."
Watson's journey to Division 1 started about 800 miles from Sacred Heart in Charlotte, N.C. where he fell in love with college basketball.
"I'm originally from Charlotte and it's either you're a Tarheel fan or a Duke fan, so I've always been a Duke fan," said Watson. "Just watching them play, seeing the crowd, and watching the flow of the game just inspired me as a young kid to play at that next level. I knew I had to get there somehow, so that drove me every time I stepped on the court to work out or for a game."
Watson's wish to someday play college basketball would finally come true one day during his senior year of high school at Alan C. Pope in Marietta, Ga. where his family had move for his mother's job. Despite earning numerous awards, between moving schools and being a late bloomer, Watson wasn't on the radar of a lot of college coaches.
His fortunes changed after a phone call between his AAU coach Lenny Jefferson and Sacred Heart men's basketball head coach Anthony Latina. Watson sent film to Latina and that led to an official visit.
"I came here and it was love at first sight," said Watson. "I liked the team, they embraced me when I came and they showed me love, so I committed. On top of that, the coach was the only one who really showed a lot of interest in me, therefore I had trust that this was the place for me."
Although Watson had reached his dream, there were a few obstacles he had to get past to scratch the surface of his full potential. He said in his first year it was hard to get into a rhythm because of the adjustment from high school to college basketball. The addition of new players limited his court time during his sophomore and junior seasons.
"When those guys left I finally got the opportunity to show who I was about and it felt like it was about time for me to have this chance," said Watson. "My parents gave me guidance every day when I doubted myself, but I never wanted to transfer, because I knew I could play here. I never felt like my talent was less than, so I never quit."
Even though his time didn't come as fast as he thought, Watson did not get discouraged from going after what he wanted. During his senior year, Watson scored more points than he did his first three years combined by averaging 7.3 points per game.
"Alex's journey is one I am very proud of, because even though things didn't go his way early in his career, he continued to work hard and persevere," said Latina. "Too often, when things don't go someone's way, individuals will quit and look for an easier way out. Alex did not do this! I believe his journey will serve him well because he will be even more prepared to face any future adversity that may come his way."
His teammates have also taken note of his efforts while spending time with him on and off the court. Watson is a shining example to the younger players on the team on how to work through adversity.
"Getting to know Alex has been great because I feel like he and I relate to many things and share similar experiences, so it made our conversation easy from the jump," first-year Quest Harris said. "I can say he's a brother, we have the type of relationship where if I need something or have questions about anything I could always go to him."
Even during COVID Watson made sure to continue to work on the little things whenever he could for the team to have a good year. His perseverance has inspired those around him and has shone light on the team for the following season.
"I think his willingness to play his role and buy into the team is his best skill," said Harris. "There's days he scores a lot and days he has to take the assignment of making sure the opposing team's best player doesn't get what he wants. This is something he's told me he takes pride in, and something he had to grow into, so I'm glad he trusted the process because it encourages me to do the same."
With the extra year of eligibility because of COVID, Watson is back for a fifth year during the 2021-22 season. He said he wants to average more points as well as earn Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year while leading the Pioneers to the conference tournament as the number one seed.
"Alex returning means that he has enjoyed his experience enough to want to come back," said Latina. "It means we are getting the best defensive player in our program as well as an excellent leader back, and it means we are getting a very intelligent person and player back to be an excellent mentor to our young players again next year."
Watson won't only be returning to the Pioneer community to help pursue a championship, but also to get his master's degree in criminal justice after receiving his bachelor's this spring. Watson has learned a lot as a collegiate athlete and how trusting the process has worked out for him.
"I know it sounds corny, but if it's your dream and aspiration, go after it and never give up," added Watson. "There will be moments of doubt in your life where you feel like you can't catch a break, but I've been in your shoes, so when you finally get an opportunity take advantage of it and keep your dream alive."
Players Mentioned
Guard
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