Philly Forward Watkins Commits, Is First 2015 Recruit
Pat Chambers has received his first commitment for the 2015 recruiting class in forward Mike Watkins from Philadelphia. Watkins played high school ball at Bartram High School and is also a member of the Team Philly 16U team this spring.
The news was first reported Wednesday evening by Rivals recruiting analyst Alex Kline.
CORRECTION: Penn State has landed a verbal commitment from 2015 Team Philly (PA) forward Mike Watkins, per a source.
— Alex Kline (@TheRecruitScoop) June 12, 2013
Watkins was also recruited by Drexel and Temple, both local schools for the Philly kid, so this is a big get for Penn State as the Nittany Lions have struggled recruiting the surrounding Philadelphia area in the past. Temple has had a better basketball program than Penn State for the last couple seasons, so it says a lot for Chambers to bring in a recruit who was getting interest from the Owls and Dragons.
Watkins is a big boy, measuring in at 6-foot-8 200 pounds, and will give the Nittany Lions a much-needed post presence when he arrives in two years. He committed to Penn State after visiting and receiving an offer on June 1st according to his 247 profile.
He goes by the nickname “Baby KG,” and should have a great opportunity make his mark with the Penn State program. In his sophomore season, Watkins averaged 10 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks a game.
Below is a highlight tape from Watkins’ sophomore campaign at Bartram H.S.:
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