[1][2] The Murray, Utah native was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.

Watts' BYU teams were disciplined and well-drilled units that favored an up-tempo style and relentless defensive pressure.

In 23 seasons, Watts compiled a 371–254 (.594) record and established a strong basketball tradition and a national athletic identity for the school representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Watts was chosen as BYU's freshman coach in 1947 and inherited the varsity team in 1949.

Watts' teaching skills were in constant demand at coaching clinics across the nation and in Europe, the Far East and South Africa.