LeJuan Watts Talks Adding Versatility, Leadership and Toughness to Texas Tech
In the first player availability of the season Thursday, LeJuan Watts had every reason to smile. Mere minutes earlier, the Big 12 named the 6-foot-6 transfer forward its Preseason Newcomer of the Year, a recognition that reflects both his play at Washington State and the expectations now surrounding him in Lubbock.
“I haven’t actually officially saw it yet,” Watts said with a grin. “But it’s a blessing. I mean, I try to stay away from that. Obviously, the goal is to win, and obviously, if I do that, we’re going to get everything we want.”
How is He Adjusting to West Texas?
It may all be West Texas but prior to making his way to Lubbock, Watts, a California native, spent his collegiate career in the Pacific Northwest playing for both Eastern Washington and Washington State. Most recently for the Cougars last season he averaged 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals emerging as one of the most well-rounded wings to his the portal last spring.
“It’s definitely different from Washington and California,” he said. “Definitely different, but I think it’s pretty nice change. The change in the fans out here is really nice.”
That fan connection was one of the biggest draws in his move south, Red Raider nation is rarely quiet. Something Watts became aware of in the recruiting process.
“When you’re in the portal and Texas Tech reaches out, you get texts, you get DMs. A whole bunch of fans just saying how proud and how they want us to come here.”
Watts also connected quickly with team General Manager Kellen “Buff” Buffington who helped lead his recruitment.
“It was different,” Watts said of their connection. “We kind of connected because he’s from California. We connected through a few different people, kind of family ties. You get closer with the people that are where you’re from. So Buffington is one of my close guys, talk to him every day.”
Adjusting to McCasland’s Defensive Edge
Watts is known for his offensive versatility but the area he needs to grow in most is also a non-negotiable for his new head coach. He said McCasland’s message has been simple: defense first.
“Defense, for sure. I think that’s what I have to take a big step on, being able to go in all five positions and being super physical and still without fouling. That’s definitely one of my things, especially coming from Washington State. We didn’t have the best defensive team, but that’s a goal that Grant wants for us, this team, to be one of the best defensive teams.”
Toughest Team Wins. That’s the mantra Texas Tech basketball has lived by in the McCasland era and Watts says that has resonated in practices thus far. He said “toughness” has become a daily mantra.
“It’s a quote we hear every day, every time we meet in the middle, toughest team wins, so you try and live by that, be very physical, very tough. Yeah, it’s something we strive for.”
Leadership and Growth
Even as a tranfer Watts steps into a unique role of needing to be a leader as one of the older players on a retooled roster. A team that lost important players like Elijah Hawkins, Kerwin Walton and most vocal of all Chance McMillian will need new voices to cut through the quiet.
“Being able to lead this team with a lot of younger, quiet guys, is something that I am still trying to get better at,” said Watts honestly. “Coming from an older team last year, still trying to be a leader, still trying to be one of our guys for the team.”
It’s not an easy role for a new player to take but in this transfer portal age it’s not all that uncommon for a first-year player in a program to take on a leadership role. It does take a special type of personality to be able to do that though, it’s something Watts is intentional about working on.
“I would say just being more consistent,” he said on his leadership role. “I think I have ups and down but I still have to be solid with how I approach and how I lead. Sometimes I’m a little bit more quiet, sometimes a little bit more loud, so just being more consistent with it.”
Chip on His Shoulder, Eyes on March
Even as preseason honors roll in, Watts made it clear his motivation hasn’t changed. He is always going to be that player that went under recruited out of high school and had to prove himself at mid-major stops before getting his power four opportunity.
“I’m always gonna have a chip in my shoulder,” said Watts. “We already have a big target on our back. It’s nothing like very different. I know that we’re top 10 and we’re gonna have teams that really, really want to beat us. So it’s like we got to go in there with the first punch.”
For a player who’s had success individually at both of his collegiate stops, he has yet to taste true March Madness. He isn’t shy about just getting into the tournament not being this team’s goal though, their sights are set much higher.
“I’ve never really Marched, so that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. And not only just get there, I want to win the whole thing. That’s the plan for us.”
He will be doing that under a coach that led Tech to the Elite 8 last season, losing to the eventualy National Champion Florida Gators. Watts said McCasland’s energy and constant communication have already made an impression.
“He’s different,” Watts said. “He kind of pushes you every second of the day. He talks to you. I mean, he’s always talking about basketball with me and always striving for something to be better. So I think that’s great for him to always have a chip for me to chase.”
His coach echoed that sentiment of being built different back towards his player when he spoke about Watts to open fall camp.
“His passion for this, his feel for the game,” answered McCasland on what’s jumped out about Watts since arriving in Lubbock. “Being around him and how much he really wants to be great every day. He’s such a versatile player that we felt like needed. But it doesn’t mean that someone has the work ethic and the approach that matches that expectation. I will say his has it and he’s just really lived it. He doesn’t just love it. He lives it every day, and it’s been a it’s been a joy to see him improve.”
It’s that work ethic and dedication that hopefully will have Watts dancing for the first time in March – and maybe just maybe April.
Join the conversation with other Red Raiders on the Inside The Double T forum.
Subscribe today to get the most in-depth Texas Tech sports and recruiting coverage.
Follow us on X: @RedRaiderSports
Like and follow us on Instagram @rrs_rivals & like us on Facebook.
