Anton Watson has arguably ascended from "glue guy" to the most valuable player for Gonzaga men's basketball.

The fifth-year senior has done more than just the little things for the. Bulldogs (6-1) this season, as he leads the team with a career-high 14.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Shooting 62.5% from the field, Watson has taken a more aggressive approach offensively without forcing the issue. And just like he's shown throughout his career, the defensive end of the floor has been his calling card.

National recognition and awards haven't reflected Watson's importance to the program this season, though that could change by the time he takes off the Gonzaga uniform for one last time. The 6-foot-8 forward was selected to the Julius Erving Award watch list in the preseason as one of the top forwards in the country. If he continues to assert himself offensively, he could very well earn all-conference honors at the least.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau breaks down how Watson has been the most important player for the Bulldogs on a new mailbag episode of Gonzaga Nation.

Produced by Christian Pedersen.

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