Maurice Watson Jr. is likely done for the season with a torn ACL

By Ian Levy | Jan 17, 2017

Dec 17, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Maurice Watson Jr. (10) acknowledges the students after the game against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Creighton defeated Oral Roberts 66-65. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Maurice Watson Jr. of the Creighton Blue Jays announced today on Instagram that the knee injury he sustained against Xavier was torn ACL, likely ending his season.

Watson has been one of the most integral pieces of the surging Blue Jays this season, currently 18-1, ranked second in the Big East and No. 7 in the country latest AP poll. Watson had been averaging 12.9 points and 8.4 assists per game this season and the Creighton offense had been 13.0 points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor this season.

Against Xavier, Watson landed wrong on a layup attempt and he reportedly told his coach that he heard a “pop.” The hope was that the injury was less severe, something that might allow him to return to the court this season. His social media announcement shared that MRI results revealed it to be an ACL tear which would likely end his season.

Creighton’s head coach, Greg McDermott, shared his thoughts and appreciation for all Watson had done for the team this season.

Devastated for @mauricewatsonjr. His impact on our program has been incredible. His leadership will continue to be vital to our success.
— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) January 17, 2017

Watson’s absence will obviously be a huge hole for Creighton but they’ve already built an impressive tournament resume through the first part of this season. Creighton has just three games left on their schedule against currently ranked opponents — at No. 13 Butler Jan. 31, vs. No. 22 Xavier, Feb. 4, and at No. 1 Villanova, Feb. 25. Even if Creighton were to drop all three of those games and another game or two in their conference, they will still likely finish in the top half of the Big East and have a good chance of making the tournament.

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For Watson, however, there is probably no silver lining. This season ends his college eligibility and he is unlikely to get a shot at the NBA Draft. Even if he was healthy, he’s an unlikely draft prospect because of his age and diminuitive size. Of course, there is always Europe and the NBA D-League. Here’s hoping Watson recovers fully and that we haven’t seen the last of him on a basketball court.