Michigan State guard transfer Rocket Watts commits to Mississippi State

(Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Michigan State guard transfer Rocket Watts is headed to the SEC, officially committing to Mississippi State on Saturday.

A former four-star prospect out of high school, Watts averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 33.6% from the floor and 25.3% from three as a sophomore, his first season playing point guard at Michigan State.

Now, Watts is taking his talents to Starkville where he will take on Kentucky at least once in 2021-22.

Trust The Process💫Never give focus on hate I receive I could achieve more than they can dream!! #ThankGod #1K #HailState🐶 Let’s Get It 🚀 pic.twitter.com/jn9hzhQfz9

— JETLIFE🚀 (@RocketWatts) May 22, 2021

UK reportedly reached out to the 6-foot-2 guard early in the recruiting process, though sources told KSR that those conversations never developed into serious interest on Kentucky’s side of things.

Instead, the former Spartan will join the likes of UNC transfer Garrison Brooks and Memphis transfer D.J. Jeffries at Mississippi State, with the latter previously committing to Kentucky out of high school.

“After several discussions over the past week, we mutually agreed that he may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere and is putting his name in the transfer portal,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said of Watts back on March 29. “Rocket has made progress in all facets of his life, especially making tremendous strides academically. We appreciate the contributions he’s made over the last two years and wish Rocket nothing but the best in his future. He’ll always be part of the Spartan Family.”

Watts scored in double figures in nine of 28 games, putting up 20+ vs. Duke (20), Detroit Mercy (23), and Michigan (21). In his first year as a Spartan, he was an All Big Ten Freshman selection, averaging 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 22.3 minutes per game.