But . . .
"The physical attributes are there to be a very good college player," Eavenson said.
Allen Rubin, an editor for Hoop Scoop recruiting service, added that Watson has only played three seasons of organized basketball.
"It's a very big get for Temple," he said. "Big kids are tough to get on any level. . . ."
"He runs the court, both ways, very well. And he's a very good shot blocker."
Watson averaged 16 points, 18 rebounds and 10 blocks last season. He chose Temple over scholarship offers from St. Joseph's, Dayton, Florida State, Kent State and Akron.
DeCosey on North Broad. Temple hopes Quenton DeCosey will follow Watson's lead. The 6-5 senior swingman at St. Joseph-Metuchen (N.J.) is at Temple on an official two-day visit, which began Tuesday.
He will also make an official visit to Penn State on Friday and Saturday. Temple, Penn State, Seton Hall and Rutgers are all in the running for DeCosey.
He averaged 23.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.6 blocks last season.
A Philly-area team? Don't laugh, but Penn State could become one of the Philadelphia area's unofficial teams for basketball.
After hiring Pat Chambers as head coach, the Nittany Lions are having success luring local players to State College.
D.J. Newbill, a product of Strawberry Mansion, transferred from Southern Mississippi to Penn State last month.
Then on Monday, Tabernacle resident Brandon Taylor gave an oral commitment to the Nittany Lions. The 6-8 senior post player commutes 45 minutes each way to attend and play at Trenton Catholic High School.
Taylor chose Penn State over Temple, Drexel, Richmond, Miami and South Florida, according to his father, Byron Taylor.
"They were the first school he visited," Byron said of Penn State. "I think he also liked Penn State's campus and proximity. For instance, Florida and Richmond aren't very close.
"Temple and Drexel, I don't think Brandon was willing to go to a city school. He wanted more of a suburban atmosphere."
Contact staff writer Keith Pompey at 215-854-2939, kpompey@phillynews.com, or @pompeysgridlock on Twitter. Read his blog "Owls Inq," at www.philly.com/owlsinq. View the videos "Owls Insider with Steve Addazio," at www.philly.com/Owlsinsider
