Michigan State guard Rocket Watts announced Monday that he would enter his name into the transfer portal becoming the second Spartan guard to do so after Jack Hoiberg also came to the same decision last week.
“Coaching staff, I want to let you know how much I appreciate you investing your time into me,” Watts wrote on social media. “It’s been an amazing experience from beginning to end. You all are role models and live as an example of how to persevere in difficulty.”
The former four-star prospect out of Detroit Old Redford and St. Edward (Ohio) SPIRE Academy, Watts was anticipated to be a big-time points producer having turned down Louisville, Florida State, and Missouri among others to come to East Lansing. However, Watts seemingly fell victim to an awkward COVID offseason that also saw the off-guard transition to the point where he struggled to find consistency. He averaged just 7.7 points and 2.7 assists per game this past season which saw the Spartans get bounced during the play-in round of the NCAA Tournament to UCLA.
But for as disappointing this may be for the Spartans to lose the potential with Watts’ career at Michigan State likely over, it’s pretty clear with how the season went for MSU, a reset and fresh start for all sides were definitely needed. Not to mention, with highly touted transfer guard Tyson Walker potentially looking to be inserted into the Michigan State rotation next season as well as the arrival of incoming freshmen Jaden Akins open scholarship spots are at a premium for the Spartans.
With Watts probably out, Michigan State has 14 scholarships heading into 2021-22 — one over the limit with Aaron Henry’s NBA draft decision still yet to be made.
