Every team needs a big man who can protect the rim, score, rebound and runs the floor well. Bishop O’Connell (Va.) product Nate Watson is emerging as that type of player and the class of 2017 three-star prospect already holds eight offers.

Watson talked about O’Connell’s season, how he has improved and where things stand in his recruitment.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: “It’s going good. We’re getting way better since the first game. We went 2-2 in Las Vegas (Tarkanian Classic) but every game we lost was very close. I’ve been playing good, we’ve been looking inside more as we play more games. I’ve been scoring more and doing good on my rebounds and everything. I’ve developed more of a finesse game. I have more post moves, more athletic, smarter, quicker, faster. Everything has improved from last year.”

The list of schools who have offered or are showing interest in Watson continues to grow and a few are in steady contact.

“USC, Xavier and West Virginia send me a lot of mail, and St. Joseph’s sends me a lot of mail too. Also Georgetown, Maryland Georgia Tech and Clemson. USC texts me every day -- coach Kevin Norris and coach (Andy) Enfield. It’s very far away from here but it seems like a good school. I haven’t been to visit yet. But they seem to really like me.”

IN THE WORDS OF HIS COACH: Fred Howze, Watson’s DC Thunder 16U AAU coach, went more in-depth on the No. 143 ranked player in the Rivals150.

“Nate is improving everyday. He’s strong, has a big frame. He has very good footwork and very soft hands. He used to play tight end back in the day when he was a little younger. If he gets the ball deep in the post he’s looking to dunk it. He protects the rim and shoots free throws very well. He is over at Bishop O’Connell now with (head coach) Joe Wooten and they’re doing a heck of a job with him now. He’s happy to be at a good school like that and playing in the WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference).”

RIVALS REACTION: Since Watson transferred to Bishop O’Connell (Va.) from Capitol Christian (Md.) and reclassified from 2018 into the class of 2017 interest in the Portsmouth, Va., native has picked up and his list will only get longer. Watson runs the floor well and changes ends very well for a kid his size.

WHAT’S NEXT: As a member of the 2017 class, Watson is no hurry with his recruitment. He will likely take unofficial visits to nearby Georgetown and Maryland to see them play in person. For now the 6-foot-8, 250-pounder with a 7-foot-2 wing span, is learning about the programs recruiting him and watching to see how they use their big men.