Watson Gives Doherty Glimpse of His Talent

Considering the way Earl Watson played Saturday, North Carolina Coach Matt Doherty couldn’t help but lament the one that got away.

“We probably should have offered him a scholarship,” said Doherty, referring to his days as a Kansas assistant coach.

The Jayhawks briefly wooed Watson--then a local high school star--but ultimately turned their attention to Khalid El-Amin and Baron Davis, neither of whom wound up at Kansas.

Watson, who burned the Tar Heels for 30 points and four steals Saturday, said he has no beef with Doherty or Kansas for passing on him.

“I don’t think it was Coach Doherty’s call, anyway,” he said. “I think it was Coach [Roy] Williams’ call. . . . I wasn’t insulted, I was motivated. That was my motivation every day. I’ve known Coach Williams since I was in sixth grade. It’s no big thing. It worked out the best for both of us. They got Kirk Hinrich, a great point guard, and I came here. I wouldn’t trade this for the world.”

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Purdue (7-2), which plays host to the Bruins on Saturday, is riding a six-game win streak with victories over Appalachian State, Duquesne, Alabama A&M;, Valparaiso, Santa Clara and Florida International. The Boilermakers have blown out those teams by an average of 31 points.

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UCLA dropped six spots to 103rd in the Sagarin ratings after its 10-point loss to North Carolina. Purdue is 27th.