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Siena Basketball: In-depth look at sophomore guard Jalen Pickett

By Bryan Mauro

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: The Siena Saints celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in overtime during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: The Siena Saints celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in overtime during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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15 Mar 2002: Siena fans cheer for the team during the first round the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game against Maryland at the MCI Center in Washington D.C. Maryland defeated Siena 85-70. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
15 Mar 2002: Siena fans cheer for the team during the first round the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game against Maryland at the MCI Center in Washington D.C. Maryland defeated Siena 85-70. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images /

Why you should know Pickett

It is not often that MAAC players make the mainstream news or even have articles written about them. Pickett should change all of that, especially if he can live out his dream and play in the NBA. The fact that he returned to college should make Siena fans very happy. The guard played like one of the best players in the country a season ago and was able to showcase all his talents coming off an a season averaging 15.8 ppg. He is a good shooter who is working to improve. Pickett was able to make 34% of his long-range attempts last season. He showed an ability to draw fouls and led the Saints a season ago in free throw attempts and makes.

Outside of his scoring prowess, Pickett is great at setting up his teammates. He averaged 6.7 assists per contest last year and had 221 on the season. That is good enough for 4th all-time in a single season for Siena. For those individuals who have yet to see Pickett play he is the definition of a stat sheet stuffer, contributing in every measurable stat. That is a good reason why he led the team in minutes and hardly ever left the floor.

The guard proved he was more than just an offensive stat stuffer. He showed he is a great two-way player and plays defense like he does offense. He averaged 4.6 rebounds, two steals and one block per game. The sophomore helped contribute to a defense who only allowed 66 points per game. Pickett as the lead guard is usually going to be paired up against the other team’s best ball handler and sometimes best ballhandler. He led the Saints in steals and blocks and is a huge asset to them on that side of the floor, as well as on offense. Pickett is the most important individual player in the league. The Saints would still be a middle of the pack team without him, but with him they must be considered a favorite for the league title.