Torrence Watson reopens recruitment; is Missouri on his mind?

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 23: Dean Wade
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 23: Dean Wade /
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Missouri basketball fans found some added excitement over the weekend, after 3-star guard Torrence Watson re-opened his recruitment.

The announcement came as a surprise Saturday afternoon, via Watson’s Twitter account. Committed to play for Ohio State, the 3-star shooting guard announced that personal and family reasons caused him to reassess his decision.

Certainly, the chance to add depth to the Tigers’ roster is an enticing opportunity, but is Mizzou also on Watson’s mind? According to his 247sports recruit profile, Missouri was among many programs who offered Watson a scholarship.

Watson, a St. Louis (Mo.) native, will weigh his offers, and decide among Illinois, Missouri, Ohio State, and Michigan, among others.

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If the presumed idea is to return closer to home, then that would likely remove the Buckeyes from the table, as well as Michigan. In a “close-to-home” scenario, Missouri, St. Louis University, and Illinois would make the most sense for Watson.

While I’m obviously in no position to decide for the young recruit, I would certainly encourage him to get a feel for which school would fit his academic needs and athletic requirements.

Academically, Mizzou is highly regarded and well-respected. From an athletics perspective, the Tigers are on the upswing as Athletic Director Jim Sterk made necessary decisions to change the course of the basketball program.

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Head coach Cuonzo Martin also assembled the best recruiting class in Missouri’s history, after adding Michael Porter, Jr., Jeremiah Timon, CJ Roberts, Blake Harris, and graduate transfer Cassius Robertson to an already solid roster of returning players.