Former Clipper Men’s Basketball standout Tyler Watts has continued his success on and off the floor as a senior forward at Linfield College (OR).
Watts, a muscular 6’5 combo forward has started 11 of 12 games so far for a Linfield squad that sits at 9-3 overall and 3-1 in the Northwest Conference. Watts does a little of everything for the Wildcats, he currently leads the team in assists and steals, along with averaging 8.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Known as an elite defender, Watts has continued to thrive as a great defender that can guard almost any position on the floor. Last week Linfield held their NWC opponents to an impressive average of 54 points per game. Through the week Watts played a total of 51 minutes and totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in two conference wins.
In 2016-17 Tyler Watts joined 3rd year Head Coach Shanan Rosenberg and delivered the first winning season and postseason appearance the program had enjoyed in nearly a decade. Watts joined Linfield after having a similar effect on the SPSCC program during his tenure in Olympia. Watts came to SPSCC from Phoenix Arizona in 2014 and eventually captained the 2015-16 team that went 22-7, (11-3 in the West Region). Watts was recognized on the NWAC West Region “All-Defense” team before going on to win the prestigious Art Fiero Award, given to the most outstanding student-athlete in the NWAC.
Off the floor Watts is wrapping up a Bachelor of Science in Biology and will graduate later this year. He has continued to be a presence in the SPSCC program by visiting practices and games when he has time. Landon praises the lasting impact Watts has had on the SPSCC Men’s Basketball program. “Tyler took a chance on me and our program after my first season in Olympia when we only won two games, that takes courage. He graduated as a leader of a 22 win team that made it to the NWAC Championships, which says it all. He is a simply a winner and an unbelievable competitor.”
Linfield resumes NWC action in Portland on Friday January 12th at 8:00pm at Lewis and Clark College.