Christian Watford

Hanging out with Christian and his Mom and Dad at the 2012 ESPY Awards party was funny as hell, it could have been an episode in a comedy show! You can only imagine what thier household is like.

-Keith Middlebrook

On September 9, 2008, Watford committed to play for Indiana University under Coach Tom Crean, turning down offers from AlabamaLouisville, and Memphis. Upon committing he said of Indiana, “They have a real good basketball tradition there and I think coach Crean is going to come in and restore the program. Basically, I just like their tradition. It’s Indiana, you know.”[1]

[edit]Freshman season

In his freshman year at Indiana, the 2009-10 season, Watford had an immediate impact and was one of only two players to start all 31 games. He led the team in rebounding (6.0/game), total blocks (19) and double-doubles (4). He was also the top Big Ten Conference freshman in scoring (12.0, 19th overall), rebounding (6.0, 11th overall) and free throw percentage (.800, seventh overall). At the conclusion of the season he was selected to the All-Big Ten Freshman team by the league coaches and named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by Sporting News and FoxSports.com.

[edit]Sophomore season

In his sophomore year at Indiana, the 2010-11 season, Watford played in 29 games and started in 28 but had to miss three games after breaking his hand. He finished 10th in the league in scoring with 16 points per game and was second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage at 84.3 percent.

[edit]Junior season

In his junior year at Indiana, the 2011-12 season, Watford averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 28.4 minutes per game.[2] He averaged 41.6% from the field and 81.5% from the free throw line. On December 10, 2011, Indiana defeated top-ranked Kentucky at the last second on a 3-pointer by Watford, giving the Hoosiers a stunning 73-72 upset victory. Watford finished the game with 20 points and 5 rebounds while going 4 for 6 on 3-pointers. Watford’s last second shot sent Indiana fans storming the court and crowding around players. Kentucky’s loss was their only one of the regular season and prevented them from matching a record last set by Indiana’s 1975-1976 team. The shot won the 2012 ESPY Award for “Best Play” and was named the 2012 GEICO Play of the Year. Video of Indiana fans reacting to the shot around the country went viral.[3] After the game Watford said, “I haven’t felt anything like that. It’s probably the most memorable moment of my life, definitely of my career.”[2] The Hoosiers earned a number four seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament and defeated New Mexico State in the second round. After defeating VCU in the third round, the Hoosiers lost to Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen. At the end of the season Watford was named to the NCAA’s All-South Region Team.[4]

[edit]Senior season

Although reports suggested Watford would enter the 2012 NBA Draft, he opted instead to return and play for the Hoosiers. In a statement issued by the Indiana Althetic Department, he said, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to complete my degree and to continue restoring the winning tradition at IU. I believe in Coach Crean and our staff and I am eager to lead my new teammates and build on what we started.”[5] He entered the season as the leading returning scorer in the Big Ten with 1,287 points.

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