Anton Watson's Gonzaga Journey: How Long Did He Play For The Zags?

His presence was felt for a good stretch of time, too. To try to put into perspective how important Anton Watson has been to the success of the Gonzaga men’s basketball program over the last five years is almost impossible. He was a constant force, a player who seemed to get better and better with each passing season.

This talented forward, in a way, grew up with the program. He was a local kid, someone deeply connected to the Spokane hoops scene even before he officially became a Zag. His journey from a promising young talent to a professional player is quite a tale, and it all began right there at Gonzaga.

Table of Contents

• Anton Watson: A Brief Biography
• Early Life and Gonzaga Roots
• Anton Watson's College Career at Gonzaga
• Key Moments and Contributions
• Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Growth
• From Gonzaga to the NBA: The 2024 Draft
• Anton Watson's Impact on Gonzaga Basketball
• Frequently Asked Questions About Anton Watson

Anton Watson: A Brief Biography

Anton Michael Watson, a truly memorable player, brought a lot to the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He has, for instance, been a part of some very important moments for the team. Here is a quick look at some of his personal details.

Early Life and Gonzaga Roots

Anton Watson's story is, in fact, quite unique because of his deep local ties. He was born on October 6, 2000, right there in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, which is just a short distance from Spokane. This made him, you know, a true hometown hero for the Gonzaga faithful.

He didn't just appear on the scene when he joined Gonzaga, either. Growing up in nearby Coeur d'Alene and attending Gonzaga Prep, Watson was a name to watch in the Spokane hoops scene long before he was a Zag. People in the local basketball community knew his potential, and there was a good deal of excitement about him.

What's truly special, perhaps, is his connection to the Gonzaga program through Coach Mark Few. The Gonzaga forward has a relationship with Few dating back to elementary school. This is pretty rare, and it shows a very long-standing bond that goes beyond just coach and player.

Watson, as a matter of fact, played on various AAU, high school, and Spokane Hoopfest teams with the coach's oldest sons, AJ and Joe. This meant he was, in a way, part of the Gonzaga family long before he ever put on the uniform. It's a connection that runs very deep, and it likely helped him settle in so well.

Anton Watson's College Career at Gonzaga

Anton Watson played college basketball for Gonzaga, and his tenure was, as mentioned, quite substantial. He was with the program for approximately five seasons, leading up to his selection in the 2024 NBA draft. This means he was a key part of the team from the 2019-2020 season all the way through the 2023-2024 season, which is a significant amount of time for a college athlete.

When he took the court at McCarthey Athletic Center, he always brought a certain energy. Over these five years, he became a familiar face and a reliable presence for the Bulldogs. His commitment to the program was, you know, very evident in his consistent play and his growth as a player.

His time at Gonzaga saw him develop from a promising recruit into a seasoned college basketball player. He was, for instance, a vital piece in many successful Gonzaga teams. The experience he gained over those seasons was, pretty much, invaluable for his own personal growth and for the team's performance.

Each season, you could see him adding something new to his game, refining his skills. He was, in a way, a cornerstone for the team's defensive efforts and an increasingly important part of their offensive schemes. His consistent presence provided a lot of stability for the Zags, which is, obviously, something every coach wants.

Key Moments and Contributions

Anton Watson's time at Gonzaga was, essentially, marked by a lot of winning. He spent most of his basketball career surrounded by winning, which speaks volumes about his impact. He was a player who always contributed to the team's overall success, whether it was through scoring, rebounding, or playing tough defense.

He's always been willing to do what it takes, too. This quality made him a favorite among coaches and fans alike. He would, for example, dive for loose balls, take charges, and make the hustle plays that don't always show up in the box score but are absolutely vital for victory.

Over his years at Gonzaga, he slowly improved as a shooter. This development in his game showed his dedication to getting better, even in areas that might not have been his primary strengths early on. He was, you know, constantly working to expand his offensive repertoire.

His strong performances, alongside teammate Drew Timme, turned into professional contracts. This shows just how impactful he was during his college years. He and Timme were, in a way, two pillars of the Gonzaga program for a good stretch of time, leading them to many memorable victories.

He was a player who understood his role and executed it with precision. Whether it was setting screens, making timely passes, or grabbing crucial rebounds, he consistently delivered. This kind of consistent effort and contribution is, really, what makes a player truly valuable to a winning program.

Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Growth

Anton Watson's college career wasn't without its hurdles, as is often the case for many athletes. He suffered from multiple injuries early in his college tenure. These setbacks could have, in a way, derailed a less determined player, but Watson showed a remarkable spirit.

His ability to bounce back from these physical challenges speaks volumes about his character and mental toughness. He worked hard to get back on the court and contribute, which is, honestly, a testament to his dedication. It shows how much he wanted to play and help his team.

These early struggles, in some respects, likely shaped him into the resilient player he became. Overcoming injuries can teach an athlete a lot about perseverance and patience. He learned to manage his body and, you know, come back stronger each time.

His growth wasn't just physical; it was also about becoming a more complete player. He got older as a college player, and his shot improved bit by bit, which is a good example of his continuous development. This steady improvement, despite the early injury woes, highlights his work ethic and commitment to his craft.

He consistently pushed himself to be better, and that push was evident in his performance. This kind of dedication is, quite frankly, what separates good players from truly impactful ones. He showed, time and again, that he was willing to put in the effort to improve.

From Gonzaga to the NBA: The 2024 Draft

After his impactful time at Gonzaga, Anton Watson made the jump to professional basketball. He was the 54th overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft, which is a significant achievement for any college player. This selection marked the culmination of his hard work and dedication throughout his college career.

His selection by the New York Knicks means he is now an American professional basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks of the NBA. This is a big step for him, moving from the college ranks to the highest level of the sport. It's, you know, a dream come true for many young athletes.

The moment he found out he was drafted was, apparently, a very special one. When Gonzaga basketball big man Anton Watson texted the big news to his dad, Deon Watson took the first shot. "(Anton) texted us in the family text message and asked if anybody was interested in." This little anecdote shows the excitement and joy shared with his family.

Being drafted into the NBA is a recognition of his talent, his hard work, and his potential. It means that professional teams saw the value he brought to the court at Gonzaga and believed he could contribute at the next level. It's, quite simply, a huge accomplishment.

His journey from a local Spokane talent to an NBA draftee is a source of pride for the Gonzaga program and his hometown. It shows that with consistent effort and a willingness to do what it takes, dreams can, you know, truly come true. His story serves as a good example for aspiring young players.

Anton Watson's Impact on Gonzaga Basketball

Anton Watson's influence on the Gonzaga men’s basketball program was, honestly, profound. He spent most of his basketball career surrounded by winning, and he was a major reason for that success. His presence on the court brought a lot to the team, both offensively and defensively.

To try to put into perspective how important Anton Watson has been to the success of the Gonzaga men’s basketball program over the last five years is almost impossible. He was a versatile player who could guard multiple positions, rebound, and score when needed. His ability to do a bit of everything made him a valuable asset.

He was, for instance, a player who embodied the Gonzaga spirit. His toughness, his willingness to make the extra pass, and his dedication to defense were all hallmarks of his game. These qualities helped set the tone for the team during his time there, which is, arguably, a big part of why they were so successful.

His relationship with Coach Few, dating back to elementary school, also played a part in his seamless fit within the program. This long-standing connection helped create a sense of continuity and trust. It's clear that he was, you know, a very important piece of the puzzle for the Zags.

Watson, along with other key players like Drew Timme, helped maintain Gonzaga's status as a perennial national contender. His contributions, whether big or small, were always aimed at helping the team win. That kind of selfless play is, in fact, what makes a player truly beloved by fans and respected by teammates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anton Watson

People often have questions about Anton Watson's time at Gonzaga. Here are some common ones, with clear answers based on his career.

How many years did Anton Watson play for Gonzaga?

Anton Watson played for Gonzaga for approximately five years. He was a key part of the Bulldogs' roster from the 2019-2020 season through the 2023-2024 season, leading up to his selection in the 2024 NBA draft. This duration shows his consistent presence and contribution to the team over a significant period.

What team drafted Anton Watson?

Anton Watson was drafted by the New York Knicks. He was the 54th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He is now an American professional basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks of the NBA, which is, you know, a big step in his career.

Where is Anton Watson from?

Anton Watson is from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was born there on October 6, 2000. His local roots meant he was a familiar name in the Spokane hoops scene, even attending Gonzaga Prep before joining the university team. This local connection made his journey to Gonzaga even more special for the fans.

Anton Watson's time at Gonzaga was, truly, a period of significant contribution and growth. He spent approximately five years with the Bulldogs, from the 2019-2020 season to the 2023-2024 season, making a very lasting impact on the program. His journey from a local talent to an NBA draftee is, quite frankly, a story of dedication and hard work, and he was a crucial part of Gonzaga's consistent success during his tenure. To learn more about the rich history of Gonzaga basketball, you could explore our site. You can also learn more about Gonzaga's basketball program on our site, and find more details on other notable players and team achievements.