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WATSON
GOES NATIVE
19 MARCH 2001
By
Piet Van Hasselt
 WestpacTrust
Canterbury Rams player John Watson is set to
become a New Zealand citizen at a ceremony on
Thursday 22 March.
This will allow the two metres tall,
American-born Watson to participate as an
unrestricted player and not count towards the
Rams quota of one restricted or imported player
allowed.
Watson and his wife Leslie re-located to New
Zealand in 1995, both taking up jobs as lecturers
at the University of Canterbury and Lincoln
University respectively. They have three children
who were all born in Christchurch; John
“Buzz” aged 4, Noah (2) and Stephen
just 8 weeks old.
From 1985 to 1989 Watson starred for the
University of Bucknell, twice leading his team to
the end of season elite NCAA tournament. Watson
then spent two seasons playing and coaching in
Europe, before returning to the USA to earn a
Ph.D. in Marketing from Penn State University.
Since his arrival in Christchurch Watson has
trained with the Rams passing his basketball
knowledge on to other players and coaches.
Last season Watson became a director of the Rams
and his ideas and expertise were a major factor
behind the team leading the league in attendance.
After one of the teamthrough last season, Watson
’s restricted players returned home mid-way
was announced as the replacement player. His
hustling style earned him the nickname “Mr
Intensity" and he led the Rams in steals
with 2.6 per game.
Watson's Canadian wife, Leslie Raymore Watson,
will also become a New Zealand citizen this
Thursday. During last season, Leslie established
the Rams Community Outreach Programme that
manages all of the player appearances at schools,
children’s hospitals and other public
events. The programme also gives opportunities
for the disadvantaged to see the Rams play at the
WestpacTrust Centre.
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