West Seattle hires former Bellevue volunteer

West Seattle High School has hired Donald Watts, a former University of Washington player as well as a former volunteer coach at Bellevue High School, as head coach of its boys basketball team.

Watts, son of former Seattle Sonics player “Slick” Watts, replaces Bob Wilzen, who retired after leading the Wildcats to the Class 3A state tournament this season.

It will be the first high school head coaching job for Watts, who was the state player of the year in 1995 at Lake Washington High School.

He is the No.23 scorer in UW history with 1,158 points and was a co-captain his senior year.

Watts ranks in the top-10 in three statistical catagories at the UW-he was No. 6 in assists with 310, No. 9 in career three-point baskets (82) and No. 8 in career steals with 116.

Since leaving the UW, Watts has played in Europe and South America and is now with the Everett Explosion of the International Basketball League.

He was one of five finalists interviewed by West Seattle.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.