Rocket Watts is healthy and ready to step up for the Spartans as the team is just under two weeks away from opening up their season against No. 2 Kentucky on Nov. 5.
The freshman guard out of Detroit can now expect a larger role to start out the season, as the team received devastating news on Tuesday that senior guard Joshua Langford will be out until at least January after re-aggravating a foot injury. The news sent shockwaves through the entire program, including Watts, who looked up to Langford.
“I got sad,” Watts said. “(He’s) like a big brother to me. We’re just all by his side, praying for him.”
With Langford set to be out for some time, Watts’ workload will increase, and he knows he is going to have to start putting some extra time in both on and off the court.
“I feel like I need to come in and watch more film and get more shots up,” Watts said. “(I have to) talk to (Langford) about the little things he did. My role is going to be big and I’m ready for it.”
Watts was a highly touted prospect coming out of SPIRE Academy in Ohio. A four-star recruit, he committed to the green and white over Florida State, Alabama, Cincinnati and Connecticut. However, he has had some lingering injuries as of late. Back in March, Watts had to pull out of the Big Baller Brand All-American game with a torn rotator cuff. As the team began practicing this season, he was also dealing with a minor achilles injury. Despite all of this, Watts insists he is fine.
“I’m good right now,” Watts said. “There was a little achilles tweak or something like that, but I’m healthy and ready.”
The team’s first official exhibition will take place Oct. 29, when Albion comes to the Breslin to take on Watts and the new-look Spartans. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
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