Maryland remains in the running for one of the most prized local recruits in the 2017 class.
Bishop O’Connell (Va.) center Nate Watson cut his list to four schools on Monday evening. The Terrapins joined the likes of Miami (Fla.), NC State, and Providence in Watson’s final four.
According to InsideMDSports, Watson’s dad stated last month that the local big man had several official visits lined up. Watson was set to visit Providence (Sept. 9-11), Maryland (Sept. 30-Oct. 1), and Miami (Oct. 7).
He was supposed to unofficially visit NC State and Wake Forest. However, now the NC State will be an official one with Wake Forest now out of the chase.
According to 247Sports, Watson is rated as the 105th best prospect along with the 11th best center in the 2017 class.
In addition to Watson, Maryland is also involved in the recruitment of big men Ira Lee (Prolific Prep, Calif.), Ikechukwu Obiagu (Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy, Ga.), and Billy Preston (API, Tx.).
The frontcourt is certainly an area of need for the Terps.
Diamond Stone has moved on to the NBA and Robert Carter shocked everyone when he decided to forgo his senior season. Damonte Dodd and L.G. Gill are the likely starters this coming season, but they’re both seniors.
Michal Cekovsky only has two years of eligibility left, so Maryland will be spread extremely thin in the frontcourt if they don’t add some significant talent.
The Melo Trimble connection at Bishop O’Connell certainly could help Maryland obtain Watson’s services.
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Mark Turgeon definitely has had a knack for luring marquee big men to College Park during his tenure. If the Terps can land Watson, he could be the next great frontcourt star at Maryland.