Mark “Rocket” Watts, a 4-star combo guard, left the state of Michigan a couple of weeks ago for Spire Institute in Ohio, but will return in a year to play for Michigan State. The 6-foot-1 guard committed to the Spartans via Instagram Saturday night. Watts is MSU's first commitment for the 2019 recruiting class.

Watts wrote: “The next step is all about development - as a player as student as a teammate and as a person. That’s why I’ve decided to play college basketball For coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State University🔋The Opportunity to work & play for a elite staff that wants to see me succeed an compete for Championships. The Chance to put myself in the best possible position at the NBA Draft Someday. I trust Michigan State with my future. I want to thank all of the coaches that spent time recruiting me there’s a ton of great schools and basketball programs nationally.But for me, there is nothing like Michigan State . I Can’t wait to get to Michigan State and get to work. Spartan Nation Let’s Hang A Banner Up 🗣🥀#1k."

Watts played his first season of high school basketball at now-closed Allen Academy on Detroit's west side and the last two at Old Redford Academy. September 9, Watts announced his decision to transfer to Spire Institute, joining high school teammates Isaiah Jackson and Aundre Polk. Detroit Loyola senior Myron Gardner also joined them. Former Detroit-Mercy assistant Jermaine Jackson Sr. is the head coach.

Playing for The Family on the Nike EYBL circuit, Watts was one of the top performers of the spring and summer. He averaged 24.6 points over 17 games in the spring, then expanded his game in July. During the Peach Invitational, Watts averaged 24.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists, while shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range. Watts scored 30-plus points on six different occasions during the 22-game season, including 43 points twice.

At Old Redford Academy last season, Watts was a first-team all-state player, averaging 26.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.4 steals for the Ravens. He held over 20 Division I offers. Watts is the possible future replacement for junior guard Cassius Winston. Michigan State is also bringing in ESPN 100 freshman Foster Loyer, who won Michigan Mr. Basketball in 2018. Winston won in 2016. Watts would have been a Mr. Basketball Award candidate had he remained in the state of Michigan.

Watts was not the only Detroit basketball commit Saturday night. UMass landed University of Detroit Jesuit 6-foot-10 3-star center Jalen Thomas.