Devin Watson, a former professional basketball player who competed in Argentina, Canada and Australia, has returned to his hometown of San Diego to take the helm of Sage Creek High School's basketball program. After a 10‑19 season, Watson is determined to rebuild the team and instill a new culture that emphasizes speed, excitement and player confidence.
Watson's basketball journey began at Carlsbad’s Army‑Navy Academy and continued at El Camino High School, where he played under Ray Johnson, San Diego County’s all‑time winningest coach. He later entered the G League draft, earning a spot with the Erie BayHawks before launching a successful overseas career that included stints in Argentina, Canada and Australia.
A Coaching Philosophy Built on Pace and Positivity
Now on the sidelines, Watson preaches a fast‑paced, high‑energy style of play. He believes that giving players the freedom to take shots and express themselves on the court will translate into greater confidence and performance. "We want to put our athletes in the right positions and let them enjoy the game," Watson said.
One of the players he expects to benefit most is senior forward Samuel Jahries, a 6‑foot‑6 prospect who brings size and versatility to the roster. Watson’s emphasis on developing each athlete’s strengths is expected to accelerate Jahries’ growth and help him attract attention from college recruiters.
Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
Watson’s coaching path has been shaped by mentors such as Ray Johnson and former San Diego State coaches Rex Walters and Steve Fisher. After transferring to San Diego State, he averaged 16.0 points and 4.2 assists before founding the Watz Academy AAU program, where he continued to refine his player‑development approach.
The upcoming season presents a fresh challenge: turning a program that struggled last year into a competitive force. Watson’s vision includes not only on‑court success but also fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork and personal growth among his players.