Watson Magic

by: Bryant “B-Boy” Worthing @bboyworthing

Giving back means a lot to C.J. Watson, especially in his hometown of Las Vegas where he was born and raised and his love for the game of basketball began. Just last week the Orlando Magic signed the NBA veteran guard to a three year deal worth $15 Million after spending the last two seasons with the Indiana Pacers, but money has never been Watson’s motivation he simply loves the game.

“Different team, different situation,” said Watson. “This is a young team with a lot of talent and upside so I think I can really help. You never know what can happen in the Eastern Conference.”

For the past several years CJ Watson and his family have been giving back and helping youth with their very own Quietstorm Foundation its mission is having a positive impact on youth through educational and recreational opportunities. This coming weekend of July 16-18 CJ’s foundation will be back in Vegas for the Hoops for Hope Basketball camp and parent workshop at the place he first started playing competitively as a kid the Doolittle Community Center (1950 J st Las Vegas, NV 89106).

“I used to play in the front yard with my father and brother as a kid,” explained Watson. “But Doolittle is where I first started playing competitive community center games.”

After playing collegiately at the University of Tennessee, Watson was not selected during the 2006 NBA Draft. He played in Italy, Greece and the NBA Development League, before being signed to the first of two consecutive 10-day contracts by Golden State on Jan. 8, 2008. He had to grind to get his opportunity in the league, a message he also delivers to youth: hard work pays off. Watson has appeared in 505 career NBA regular season games (93 starts) with Golden State, Chicago, Brooklyn and Indiana, averaging 7.8 ppg., 2.5 apg. and 2.0 rpg. in 20.6 minpg., while shooting .383 (425-1,110) from three-point range and .806 (750-931) from the free throw line. He has also played in 48 career NBA playoff games (five starts), averaging 5.5 ppg., 2.0 apg. However, CJ’s biggest impacts are not on the stat sheets, it is his veteran presence and leadership, he acts as an extended coach who can get into a game anytime and contribute. His FLVR is about being positive and helping others, especially in the 702 where came up. Make sure to check out his foundation at www.quietstormfoundation.com to see how you too can help the movement in the Las Vegas community and other cities around America.