Watford a Hoosier for life
A Hoosier for life
When Watford committed to Indiana, he knew relatively little about the program. After four years helping rebuild it, he wants to be part of it forever. When he steps on Branch McCracken Court for his final game Tuesday night, he knows he’ll be leaving some life-changing memories behind.
“It’ll definitely be bittersweet. Well, it’s gonna be bitter, it ain’t gonna be sweet,” Watford said. “Anytime you’re leaving an environment like this, it’s definitely tough to go, to move on. This is home for me. Anytime you’re leaving home, you just feel like it’s something you can’t live without.”
It won’t be easy for Watford’s family, either. Indiana basketball has been a big part of all of their lives for the last four years.
“We’ve got Alabama screaming ‘Go Hoosiers!’,” Ernest Watford said. “We’ve got a little Hoosier Nation going on in Birmingham, we’ve got a mini Hoosier Nation.”
What’s next?
Watford thought about leaving for the NBA after last season, but opted to return to school after receiving feedback. Watford was told time and again that he needed to become more consistent, and he has worked to do that this season.
“You just want to be a player who can do everything,” Watford said. “I don’t want to say I took nights off, but there was definitely times where I didn’t rebound the ball as well as I could have and stuff like that. I went through a couple slumps last year. I ain’t really experienced that this year, knock on wood.”
Watford plans on chasing his NBA dream whenever this season ends. For now, though, he knows there is still work to be done. It has been a crazy run for Watford and his class, but it isn’t over yet.
“I’m definitely proud to get my education and stuff like that, to be walking away with a degree at this University,” he said. “And on the court, just what we’ve done. I hope to be proud of a national championship soon. That’ll make my year.”
Filed to: Christian Watford