There were plenty of disappointed faces on signing day (particularly one on North Avenue) when Marcus Watson decided to sign with Oklahoma State. The senior from Buford is one of the plums in this year’s strong class of basketball prospects.
The sturdy 6-foot-6 senior can do a little bit of everything. He’s got a nice shooting touch – is tough on 3-pointers, too – and has the muscle to take the ball inside. He’s got excellent leaping ability, so he doesn’t mind flying to the basket – either to grab a rebound or slam one home.
With the return of Watson – a two-time all-state selection – the Buford Wolves will again be expected to contend for a state championship. The fell short last year in a dramatic shootout with Miller Grove and Watson was visibly upset afterwards. That may provide plenty of motivation needed to get the team back toward another championship appearance.
Here are nine other top boys to watch in Class AAAAA this season:
Donnell Nixon, Buford: The senior will need to take a larger role for the Wolves now that Alex Jones has graduated and moved on. Nixon will have to find ways to get the ball to Watson and take a larger offensive burden, both as an outside shooter and penetrator. He has signed with Wingate.
Maurice Harvey, Southwest DeKalb: If he was taller (he's 6-foot-1), Harvey would be a big-time prospect. He can do it all on offense and enjoys the defensive challenges, as well. Harvey averaged nearly 15 points last season and was named the Region 5 Player of the Year. (That's sort of like being the NFL's MVP because that region is so ridiculously tough.)
Kadarius "KD" Johnson, Southwest DeKalb: The junior is a 6-1 guard who makes those around him better. He's excellent at taking the ball to the hole and just as skilled as finding the open man for a high-percentage shot. He averaged 17 points, 4.4 assists and a DeKalb-best 3.5 steals last season. He's already starting to get looks from major colleges.
Justin Myles, Lithonia: The 6-foot-7 power forward is one of the top returning rebounds in DeKalb County; he averaged 6.2 a year ago. He's an important part of one of the best defensive teams in Region 5 and is the sort of shot blocker that makes an opponent think twice before attacking the glass.
Nathan Presnell, Hiram: At 6-9, Presnell is one of the best available big men in the classification. He's more of a finesse player who can shoot the daylights out. He's also smart (1,130 SAT) and is a hard-working, high-character guy with a lot of potential. A big season could move him up the ladder.
Marcellious Lockett, Carrollton: He's one of the best 3-point shooters you'll find, but he's a good ball-handler, too, and able to set up plays for his teammates. The junior, a 6-4 shooting guard, is one of the main reasons the Trojans are expected to compete for the Region 7 championship.
Tyler Johnson, Cedar Shoals: A 6-1 junior, Johnson is another guy capable of scoring bushels of points. He went for 30 against Lanier earlier this month. He has good size and is able to improvise when needed. He's an offensive machine with a very high motor.
Jamaine Mann, Starr's Mill: The solid 6-5 junior is a forced to be reckoned with on the inside. Although undersized, he's able to muscle his way in the paint. His brother, Charles Mann, played at Georgia, but Jamaine isn't sure if he wants to follow in those footsteps. He's already receiving D-I attention and has an offer from Tulane.
Eric Gaines, Lithonia: A 6-2 junior shooting guard, Gaines is known for being excellent in transition. He's excellent running the fast break and has great body control at the end of the break. He's already been offered by Georgia State.
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