Robert (Bob) Watson
Sport: Basketball
Year Inducted: 1980
Robert “Bob” Watson was born August 20, 1938 in Cornwall, Ontario. He started playing basketball at St. Lawrence High School in Cornwall. His team won three titles, including three consecutive Eastern Ontario high school Championships.
Bob displayed an all-round athletic ability in high school, playing on the St. Lawrence hockey squad during his freshman year. He was also an All-Star offensive end on the school football team. Watson attended Sir George, and immediately proved himself to be one of the best offensive players in the league.
Bob had a fine one-hand jump shot that he used to great advantage. He could also score well with driving layups. In his rookie season, Bob won the scoring title in the City Intercollegiate Basketball League.
In his freshman year at Sir George, Bob played out of the guard position. Watson’s scoring prowess was instrumental in Sir George’s two basketball Championships in the CIBL and the OSLC.
During Watson’s sophomore at SCWU, Bob helped the M&G to an even more successful campaign than the previous one. The Georgians won three out of five games from the McGill Redmen, and they were the only two games the Georgians lost. In the OSLC, the M&G were undefeated.
An example of Watson’s sterling play came during a weekend trip to Ottawa where they played Carleton College and Ottawa University. Bob counted over 50 points in the two games.
Bob played both guard and forward to utilize his tremendous scoring potential. The line of Watson, and Bob Habert along with Willie Epstein at centre provided a powerful attacking force. The Georgians had great team success during Bob’s university years.