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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 /

Expectations for Pickett for 2019-20 season

The Saints have the same aspirations as any team in the MAAC and that is to make it back to the NCAA tournament. The conference has been dominated by another team from New York in the Iona Gaels. Led by Tim Cluess they’ve made the NCAA tournament as the MAAC’s representative for the last four seasons. The conference is deeper at the top this year with four teams who have the potential to claim the crown. Siena has a talented and experienced team and with the league’s best player it won’t surprise anyone if they do win the conference.

Pickett is likely going to find himself as a first team All-Conference selection, and if he has a season like he did a year ago the argument for him as the Player of the Year in the MAAC will be warranted and the sophomore has a great case. Pickett does have a good team around him to help him pick up some of the scoring load. Sophomore forward Sloan Seymour is a great shooter and when paired with Pickett have a chance to be one of the better duos in the conference.

The MAAC normally only sends one representative to the tournament, and that is the winner of the conference tournament. Pickett has said his goal for this season is to win the MAAC tournament and represent the conference in the NCAA tournament. If that happens it will be the first appearance for Siena since the 2010 season. The fans in Loudonville are really to pack the Times Union Center in Albany and provide their team with the best home court advantage in the league.

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If the Saints make the tournament it should be expected that Pickett takes his talents to the NBA to fulfill his boyhood dream. He should be player No. 35 to represent the MAAC in the NBA.