Watson, Johnson Think They Can Beat the Odds

Anthony Watson and Steffond Johnson of San Diego State were happy with their situations Tuesday after the National Basketball Assn. draft.

Watson, a 6-foot 3-inch guard who was the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year last season, was drafted in the fourth round (87th pick overall) by the Denver Nuggets. Johnson, a 6-8 forward-center, was selected in the fifth round (100th overall) by the Los Angeles Clippers.

“You always think about this (getting drafted) and pray that somehow it will happen,” Johnson said. “Now, it’s a reality.”

Now for a dose of reality. According to a survey done by the Dallas Maverick scouting staff, only 4.3% of the 1,866 players taken after the second round since 1976 have played three or more seasons in the NBA.

“That’s highly accurate, but you have to look closely into that statistic,” said Aztec assistant coach Michael Brunker, who was an assistant coach and head of scouting for the Detroit Pistons from 1978-80. “You’re going back a lot of years with that. Before last year, there were 10 rounds instead of seven, which means there were 75 or so more players drafted that probably didn’t stick.

“Still, I’d say it’s an against-all-odds type of situation for Anthony and Steffond to make it.”

Both players, however, said they weren’t too concerned about the rounds in which they were drafted.

Watson said he is happy to be going to Denver, where he will try to learn a new position, point guard. Fat Lever and Mike Evans were point guards last season for the Nuggets, who prefer a wide-open style of offense.

“I’m a little disappointed because I thought I might be going in a higher round, but Denver is a good team for me,” Watson said. “Now, I just have to go what I can do.”

Johnson also likes his chances with the Clippers. The Clippers, who already have former Aztec forward Michael Cage, did not have a pick in the first two rounds. Johnson was the Clippers’ third pick.

“I think he has an excellent opportunity,” said Clippers Coach Don Chaney. “I’ve seen him play over the years and he impressed me. For a big guy, he is unusually coordinated and he’s an excellent runner.”

Chaney said he envisions Johnson as a small forward.

“It doesn’t come down to a matter of Steffond beating other people out,” Chaney said. “If it turns out that he’s a good player, we’ll find a spot for him.”