As the Binghamton women’s basketball program delves into a rebuilding period under first-year head coach Linda Cimino, freshman guard Imani Watkins may provide the spark the Bearcats need on the floor.
The 5-foot-8 guard from High Point, North Carolina, was a three-time all-conference selection in high school. During her time at T. Wingate Andrews High School, the offensive standout garnered N.C. State All-Prep Team honors as a junior before leading her squad to a 25-5 season as a senior.
Watkins was recruited by and initially committed to play for former Binghamton head coach Nicole Scholl. Watkins said her decision to pick BU was greatly influenced by her godfather, to whom she turned for advice throughout her recruiting process.
“He’s been my rock through this whole process,” Watkins said. “He was a college basketball player as well, so he kind of knew the ropes and just was able to give me some guidance on the political side of basketball, as well as the athletic side. He’s helped to keep me grounded and make the right decisions.”
Following Scholl’s departure last spring and Cimino’s appointment as coach, Watkins elected to stay on board with Binghamton.
“Even with the coaching change, I still felt like it was my best option,” Watkins said. “I enjoyed talking to coach Cimino the couple times that we talked on the phone and she was able to come down [to North Carolina] and meet my family and I think we really connected.”
Watkins understands that both she and Cimino are in a similar situation as they enter new programs. Hopefully, that sort of growth will lead to a strong bond between the two down the line.
“It’s just a great situation where we can both grow together, learn together and lean on each other when things get a little bit tough,” Watkins said. “There’s going to be some growing pains, but it’s a good thing to know that she’s going to be patient with me, just as I’m going to be patient with her.”
Though Cimino didn’t actually recruit Watkins, she recognizes the skills the freshman brings to the table, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Watkins has been described as the most athletic Bearcat on the roster, as a sure shot who can drive into the lane.
And with only one returning starter on the Bearcat roster, Watkins has an immediate opportunity to secure a major role on the floor. In fact, Cimino has indicated that she plans to start Watkins at shooting guard to open the season at Akron.
Watkins anticipated the chance to be able to make an early impact at Binghamton, and that anticipation is what convinced her to stay with BU even after the coaching switch.
“[Making an immediate impact] was important to me as well,” Watkins said. “I enjoy playing the game and I want to be in the situation where I can always make my team better and be in a situation where I can become a better athlete as well.”
Down the road, Watkins hopes that she and the team surrounding her can pave the foundation for the future.
“We’re just trying to get better and build on last year,” Watkins said. “We have some seniors and some veteran players on this team. Hopefully we can rally around them and build on the ground that they have already set and just get better. Hopefully, we’re getting better every year.”