Anton Watson visits Willard

Gonzaga star Anton Watson will present a basketball Christmas gift to a student at Willard Elementary whose family has struggled in the last couple years after the death of the father. The gift was organized by Chauncy Welliver, the Hillard Hammer.

Section:Gallery

Fri., Dec. 22, 2023

5th grader Ezekiel Avila, third from left, reacts as Gonzaga’s Anton Watson signs one of the practice jerseys from his freshman year that he gave Avila on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson who brought a ball and one of his jerseys for Avila.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Gonzaga University’s Anton Watson smiles Friday as he watches Willard Elementary fifth-grader Ezekiel Avila spin a basketball Watson gave him. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson, who brought a ball and one of his jerseys.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Gonzaga’s Anton Watson ducks his head as he enters a classroom to pay a visit to Willard Elementary School students on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Gonzaga’s Anton Watson bumps fists with Chauncy Welliver as they walk the halls of Willard Elementary spreading holiday cheer on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
5th grader Ezekiel Avila reacts as Gonzaga’s Anton Watson visits class on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Gonzaga’s Anton Watson scratches his chin as he fields questions from Willard Elementary School students on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
5th grader Ezekiel Avila reacts as Gonzaga’s Anton Watson gives him one of the practice jerseys from his freshman year on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson who brought a ball and one of his jerseys for Avila.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
5th grader Ezekiel Avila high fives Gonzaga’s Anton Watson after Watson gave him one of the practice jerseys from his freshman year and a basketball on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson who brought a ball and one of his jerseys for Avila.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
5th grader Ezekiel Avila tries on a jersey given to him by Gonzaga’s Anton Watson on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson who brought a ball and one of his jerseys for Avila.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Fourth-grader Major Tschabold leaps to high-five Gonzaga’s Anton Watson on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, as Watson visits students at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review
Chauncy Welliver hugs 5th grader Ezekiel Avila after Gonzaga’s Anton Watson gave him a basketball and jersey for Christmas on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Willard Elementary in Spokane, Wash. When Avila asked for a basketball for Christmas, Willard staff and Chauncy Welliver contacted Watson who brought a ball and one of his jerseys for Avila.

Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review