Alabama five-star forward Trendon Watford announced via Twitter that he has cut his list down to a group of eight schools:
And then there was 8…??‼️ pic.twitter.com/ZymS5VqNyk
— Trendon Watford (@Trendon_2) June 13, 2018
According to the 24/7 Sports composite, the Birmingham, Alabama native is the 12th ranked player in the country and the 3rd best power forward in the class of 2019.
Most observers believe that Indiana is legitimately in the hunt here. In a somewhat unusual turn of events, IU’s coaches took two in-home visits in the spring.
There are other factors helping Indiana’s cause. First of course is Christian Watford’s positive experience at IU and Trendon’s own experience watching his big brother play in Bloomington. Additionally, the family is familiar with IU assistant coach Ed Schilling. He previously worked with Christian, and they apparently hold him in high regard.
The Watfords have commented on multiple occasions that they have taken note of the trajectory of the Indiana program, including the signing of Romeo Langford. The family also has observed that it is clear that Indiana is prioritizing Trendon with their recruiting efforts, which is important to them.
On the negative side, in-state Alabama continues to be formidable. The same in-state sentiments that surely helped Indiana secure Romeo Langford are working against the Hoosiers as it relates to Watford.
Moreover, a comment made by fellow class of 2019 recruiting target Matthew Hurt would seem to suggest that Watford is leaning towards Memphis. Hurt indicated that Watford is “recruiting” Hurt to join him there.
Kansas is always a threat. You do have to wonder about the impact, if any, of Watford being cut from the U18 Team USA by Jayhawk coach Bill Self. For as much as we wonder about the equity of Self having that role, in a situation such as this it could cause more harm than good.
In our opinion the leaders at this time are Alabama, Indiana, Kansas and Memphis, with no team having a clear edge.
You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
Find us on Facebook: thedailyhoosier