Bruce Watson

Growing up on Anna Street in Elizabeth, Bruce gained a competitive edge playing sports in the Winfield Scott Elementary School yard and area playgrounds around the city.

He was fortunate to live in a neighborhood that was rich with talented athletes. From playing on championship Pop Warner football teams with Richie Woods and Gil Chapman, who went on to play in the NFL, to watching and then playing with great basketball players like Earl Foreman and John Shumate, Bruce was able to hone his athletic skills.

Through his experience in the playgrounds and on the school courts, Bruce became accustomed to a proud and winning tradition that athletes from Elizabeth continue to enjoy.

As a senior basketball player at Thomas Jefferson High School, Bruce led, under Coach Ron Kelly, the varsity team to a 23-2 record. During that 1971-72 season, the Minutemen defeated four of the top ten teams in the state while maintaining the No.1 rating for the most of the year. The team also set a state record by defeating Linden High School five times in one season. Bruce led Thomas Jefferson High to championships in the Hillside Christmas and Union County tournaments.

By the end of the season, some basketball scouts and sports writers considered the 6-foot-8 center as the best big man in the state. He was selected for the First Team All County, First Team All State, First Team All State, First Team All Metropolitan and High School America honors.

At Niagara University, under Coach Frank Layden, Bruce flourished on the basketball court. He made history as the first freshman starter in over 20 years. During his junior year, he co-captioned the team and in December 1974 was named East Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week, averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds. In addition, he led the team that season in rebounding with 9.3 per contest and shooting percentage from the field at 45.5%, and was second in scoring with an 11.9 average.

During his senior year at Niagara, Bruce was tri-captain and helped lead the team to the National Invitational Tournament.

After leaving Niagara, Bruce went on to play in Dudelange, Luxembourg, where he led the team to the league championship, averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game. During that season, he also led his team in the European Cup against teams representing Germany, European Cup against teams representing Germany, Portugal and Spain, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The next year, Bruce played for a team in Arlon, Belgium, leading it to the playoffs while averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds. After his stint in Belgium, he played in Aguacaliente, Mexico. Arriving in mid-season, he helped the team make it to the playoffs averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Bruce finished his career playing for Mike Wiener with Paul Michael’s shoes in the Jersey Shore League, and Lou Ferrara with the Elizabeth Celtics. The Celtics won consecutive Pro-Am tournaments in Elizabeth, Ridgewood, and Paterson from 1981-1986.

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