(2019) SF Trendon Watford to LSU

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

 

INTERVIEW: 1-on-1 with Alabama Challenge freshman Trendon Watford

04/13/2016, 8:45pm EDT

By Alec Kinsky, D1Circuit

 

The words 'freshman' and 'EYBL' aren't used in the same sentence very often. Its truly is rare to see a player compete two age levels up, and it's even more rare that said player is a difference-maker.

Consider Trendon Watford a trailblazer, then, because the Alabama Challenge freshman plans to do just that.

'Difference-maker' may be an understatement for the Mountain Brook (Alabama) star. This young man is going to make noise immediately, and is running alongside some extremely high-level talent.

D1 caught up with the fabulous freshman, and Watford proceeded to give us a tremendous interview. 

Alec Kinsky: Not many freshman get the opportunity to play in the 17U EYBL. How pumped are you?

Trendon Watford: I’m excited about it, last year I played 16U in the EYBL and that developed my game a lot. Every game was a battle and you’re always playing against top players.

AK: Does playing against top competition bring the best out in your game?

Watford: Yeah, I just try to be the best player I can be against other teams, and dominate my opponent.

AK: What’s it like playing with Rayshaun? I imagine you two will be quite the duo.

Watford: It’s been great already. Rayshaun is always ready to play and always plays above the rim. We are both two versatile players.

AK: You mention your versatility, how much time do you dedicate to building each aspect of your game?

Watford: Lots of time! I’m in the gym every day working on getting better. Me being versatile makes it hard for other teams to decide whether to put a big or a guard on me. Being able to do multiple things allows me to stretch the floor more and opens up shots for my teammates.

AK: What has the Alabama Challenge program done for you so far?

Watford: They’ve developed my game a lot, and we got to the best tournaments.

AK: When did basketball first become a point of emphasis for you?

Watford: Probably about 7th grade. That’s when I really started developing my game a lot.

AK: When you look to the future, what will make basketball a success for you in the long run?

Watford: I want to be one of the greatest to play. Basketball (will be a success) because it will take me a long way.

AK: Any hobbies outside of hoops?

Watford: XBox and pretty much just chill.

AK: If you have to steal one skill from any other player and have it as your own, what would it be?

Watford: Kobe’s mentality, no doubt.

AK: How much knowledge do you pull from your older brother? I imagine he’s a tremendous resource for you.

Watford: A lot! He’s been through it all and knows what it takes to get to the next level. That’s why he pushes me to get better all the time.

AK: What would you say is your biggest motivator?

Watford: Just me wanting to be the best player to come out of Alabama, and have the ability to influence kids.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Alabama Challenge F Trendon Watford (@Trendon_2): 20 PTS, 6 REB vs Spiece Indy Heat in 30 min. of action.  He was 5 of 11 from the field  and only 8 of 15 from the charity stripe (ouch).  Also had 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 blk.  Spiece beat Alabama 77 - 68.

Jaren Jackson (Park Tudor) playing only 24 minutes on the Spiece team had himself quite a ballgame with 35 pts. on 10 of 13 from the field; 6 of 8 on 3's and 9 of 10 from the foul line.  He also had 9 reb., and 3 blks.

 

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

 

[mdn82]

How far up in age is he playing?

[Walking Boot of Doom]

2 minutes ago, mdn82 said:

How far up in age is he playing?

Article posted above mentioned he's going to play in 17U EYBL as a freshman

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Watford with 21 on 6 of 12 from the field; 5 of 7 on 3's; 5 reb.; 2 assists; only 1 TO in a 83 - 67 loss to MoKan Elite

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Watford 17 pts. on 6 of 16 from the floor; 3 of 9 on 3's; 4 reb.; 4 TO's as Alabama Challenge lose to New York Lightning 69 - 66.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Watford and his Alabama Challenge lose to Oakland Soldiers 77 - 73.  Watford with 14 pts. on 6 of 15 from the field; 1 of 3 on 3's; 10 reb.; 3 assists; 4 TO's.

[Alford Bailey]

So is Trendon gonna be more of a wingy?

[8bucks]

Younger brother Trendon is 6-8 & coming off his freshman year in HS, playing up this summer with 17Us. Trendon hasn't heard from #iubb yet.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

I'll take "Odd" for a $1,000 Alex.

[hoosierpap]

I'm out and about and will elaborate later if need be but thats simply not true. I have that on pretty solid word

[Brass Cannon]

Wasn't Crean at one of his games earlier this year?

[ccgeneral]

5 minutes ago, Brass Cannon said:

Wasn't Crean at one of his games earlier this year?

He watched last night.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Last game of the weekend for Watford and his Alabama Challenge team defeated LV Prospects 68 - 75.  He scored 18 pts; 6 FG's and 3-3's.  6 reb., 2 assists; 2 blks.; -0- TO's.

[8bucks]

Is this a contact period? Could be we watched (with several other coaches) but have not talked with him

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

Recap of Trendon Watford at EYBL in Indy:

4/22 – Alabama Challenge lost to MoKan 83 – 67.   21 pts on 6 of 12 from the field; 5 of 7 on 3’s; 5 reb; 2 assists; 1 TO.

4/23 – Alabama Challenge lost to NY Lightning 69 – 66.  17 pts. on 6 of 16 from the field; 3 of 9 on 3’s; 4 reb.; 1 assist; 4 TO’s.

4/23 – Alabama Challenge lost to Oakland 77 – 73.  14 pts. on 6 of 15 from the field; 1 of 3 on 3’s; 10 reb; 3 assists; 4 TO’s.

4/24 – Alabama Challenge beat LV Prospects 68 – 65.  18 pts. on 9 of 17 from the field; 0 for 4 on 3’s; 6 reb; 2 assists; 2 TO’s.

[WayneFleekHoosier]

Considering he is playing up 2 years......WOW!

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

EYBL in Hampton, VA this weekend.  Alabama Challenge beat Team United 60 - 57.  9 pts on 4 of 10 from the field; 1 of 3 on 3's; 0 for 2 FT's; 7 reb; 1 assist; 3 TO's; 1 stl.

[Class of '66 Old Fart]

5/13 - Beat Team United 60 - 57.  9 pts on 4 of 10 from the field; 1 of 3 on 3's; 0 for 2 FT's; 7 reb; 1 assist; 3 TO's; 1 stl.

5/14 – Lost to The RENS 80 – 71.  15 pts. on 7 of 17 from the field 0 for 7 on 3’s; 1 of 2 FT’s; 6 reb; 1 assist; 2 TO’s; 1 stl; 1 blk.