Trendon Watford: Mountain Brook Alum Signed By NBA

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — One of the most decorated athletes in Mountain Brook High School sports history has been signed by a National Basketball League team. Former Spartan Trendon Watford was not picked in Thursday night's NBA draft, but was signed to a two-way contract with the Portland Trailblazers.

Watford now has the chance to make the Blazers roster after a stellar career at LSU. While a Spartan, Watford led Mountain Brook to three state championships, set the Alabama state high school rebounding record, and was Alabama's Mr. Basketball twice.

"I’m excited to watch Trendon be a pro now," Mountain Brook coach Tyler Davis said. "I remember him coming to the Buckyball camps when he was like in 5th grade and you could tell that he was special. The biggest thing I admire the most with Trendon is his work ethic and how he loves our Mountain Brook family! He is so good to my kids and that shows his character."

Davis said going into draft night that even if Watford was not drafted, he was confident Watford has what it takes to make an NBA roster.

"This gives him an opportunity to be a pro in the NBA and keep getting better," Davis said of Watford's contract with Portland. "What an honor to have him represent Mountain Brook as our first NBA player!

Watford also becomes the first MBHS alum to be signed by an NBA team, and if he makes the Blazers roster, would be the second former Spartan to be on a roster in a major sports league. Mountain Brook grad Nathan Bland, who was chosen in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft in 1993, pitched for the Houston Astros.

Mountain Brook alum Major Ogilvie was selected in the 12th round of the 1981 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, but did not make the roster, and former Spartan William Vlachos was signed to a free agent contract by the Tennessee Titans in 2012, but was cut before the season started.