PULLMAN — James Watson, a 6-foot-7 forward who played in 29 games last season for Washington State University, has left the program and has transferred to Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kan., his mother confirmed Monday.
Watson, who averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in a reserve role as redshirt freshman last season, learned recently he would not be eligible in the fall semester.
“He needed 18 credits (to play) and he had 17, so he wasn’t going to be eligible until January at least,” said Annette Watson, James’ mother, when reached at home in Atoka, Okla.
“To be honest, he always struggled academically there. The jump from a small school to Washington State was a big jump for him and I don’t think we got his best effort (academically).”
Watson’s departure brings to four the number of scholarship players who have transferred since the end of the coach Ken Bone’s first season, joining Xavier Thames, Michael Harthun and Anthony Brown. Two other walk-ons have also left.
“We wish James nothing but the best,” Bone said.
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