Player: Jordan Watford
Class: 2025
School: Lancaster
AAU: Upward Stars
Height: 6’4
It was a great weekend of basketball down in South Carolina, getting a chance to get an updated look at a few players and check out some of the younger prospects. Though there were several young players that we will continue to talk about, the player that may have seen his stock rise the most in my eyes was 2025 6’4 Jordan Watford from Lancaster high school.
Why'
You can see that Watford gets it early. Yes, physically, he has great tools that check off the boxes; great size already at 6’4, solid frame, good athleticism… all are there. But when you actually watch him more with his high school team, you can see that there are so many other intangibles that you can see that will carry him a long way down the road and make him a priority for so many schools.
First, when you watch his game, his blend of length, body control, ability to create for himself, and score over defenders; all are impressive. Watford can cover so much space out in transition and when attacking the basket but then you add his body control and ability to score around defenders, it is quite impressive. But he also has great touch in the paint, can get defenders on his hip often, and consistently attacks, as he either scores or usually gets fouled. Watford knows how effective he can be in a variety of ways and levels on the floor, but there is still room to expand his range in his game (which should only continue to come as he develops).
He is also terrific on the boards, playing bigger than listed and playing with a terrific motor. You can also pick up on little things that impress you for a player his age. The leadership he already has with his team, his understanding and knowledge of the game, and what really stood out… his competitive nature. Watford always is in attack mode, no matter if his team is up or down.
Watford was a hot topic throughout the weekend and with what Phenom Hoop saw, along with what we can only imagine in how he will continue to develop, he is going to be a hot topic throughout for many and should be a big-time rising name in the state of South Carolina.
So… you should buy stock NOW.