Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Athens, OH (Future150) -- "I did it at 2 PM," said Ibi Watson.
He is referring to his verbal commitment to the University of Michigan.
"They called me last night and told me (about the offer)," said Watson. "I didn't announce it or anything."
Watson has always been a little more calm than his peers. He doesn't show elation the same way as the showman of the NBA. He calmly goes about his business and produces and produces.
When Michigan lost their crown jewel of the 2016 class, Tyus Battle, Ibi Watson capitalized on a unique opportunity.
"When that happened we came up the next week for the high school team camp up there," said Watson. "They started evaluating me and I thought, 'maybe I will get a chance to get this offer.'"
Watson understood the monumental opportunity before him. He knew that he had a real chance to get this significant offer. But Michigan did have a stipulation.
"They told us they wanted to see more aggression from Ibi," said Watson's mother last week. "They wanted to be sure he could take over."
Watson did. His All-Ohio Red 17u squad suffered a few minor injuries in July, including Nick Ward, Darius Harper, and Kaleb Wesson. Those three power players sitting left a temporary void in the paint.
"I had a great team there," said Watson. "I had a great point guard that was able to find me. My coaches put me in great positions to succeed. It was a great team for me."
Watson helped out by rebounding harder at both ends. He also scored in double-figures almost every single game. Michigan began the evaluation process the first LIVE period of July and continued throughout the month.
Head Coach John Beilein watched Watson in Atlanta during Best of the South. He then rotated his assistants through to get a solid second opinion.
Just like they said they probably would Michigan offered the Monday following the final LIVE period.
"I thought they were going to," said Watson. "They had watched me a ton this summer. They told me they liked what I was doing."
Seeing Red
The All-Ohio Red program routinely puts out Big 10 players so this commitment is no surprise from that angle. But, what is intriguing is that Ward (Michigan State), Watson (Michigan), and Wesson (Ohio State) will have years of battles ahead.
Familiar faces on the opposite of such rivalries gives them more heft.
Absolute
In a world of wavering commitments, Watson is confident in his choice. Could another school slip in with a late offer and steal him away from Michigan?
"No. No school could."
He intends to enroll next fall (2016) and already has the required test scores along with great grades. This one is wrapped and Michigan adds Watson to center Austin Davis and center John Teske.
Michigan scheduled a official visit with Cassius Winston (#32) for September. Will it still take place? Winston is being recruited for PG, but the class is currently full. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and Watson is now firmly in hand.
Both parties benefit from this vebal commitment.
"I am very excited," said Watson. "I was so excited to commit today."
Michigan was unequivocally the favorite, but Watson had several other great offers.
"I picked Michigan over Indiana, Ohio University, Akron,and Dayton."
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