Busting Brackets
Fansided

12 NCAA Basketball programs that should target Siena transfer Jalen Pickett

By Tristan Freeman

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Jalen Pickett #22 of the Siena Saints dribbles up court during a college basketball game against the George Washington Colonials at the Smith Center on November 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Jalen Pickett #22 of the Siena Saints dribbles up court during a college basketball game against the George Washington Colonials at the Smith Center on November 8, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
Houston Cougars DeJon Jarreau Jalen Pickett NCAA Basketball Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Houston Cougars DeJon Jarreau Jalen Pickett NCAA Basketball Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Cougars

The Cougars had two holes to deal with this offseason on their roster and they recently filled one, landing UConn grad transfer big man Josh Carlton at the center position. Now they need a point guard to replace the departing DeJon Jarreau. And with leading scorer Quentin Grimes possibly leaving as well, Pickett’s scoring and passing abilities would get two birds with one stone.

Pickett could rack up plenty of assists with Houston, having quality shooters such as Tramon Mark and Marcus Sasser Jr. on the perimeter. He’d have to improve a bit defensively to fit well in head coach Kelvin Sampson’s system but this would be a nice fit for both sides. And if things go well here, Pickett would have a great shot at being Player of the Year in two separate conferences.

LSU Tigers

Assuming that star freshman and 23 ppg scorer Cameron Thomas eventually go pro this offseason, that would mean the top three contributors for the Tigers will be gone. One of them is Javonte Smart, who averaged 16.0 ppg and 4.0 apg this past season as the starting point guard. Outside of Darius Days, LSU doesn’t return anyone who scored more than five points and one assist, so Pickett would have a giant role with the team if this is the destination.

Although rising sophomore and former four-star recruit Eric Gaines will get a look and more minutes, look for head coach Will Wade to get back into the transfer portal to join San Jose State wing, Seneca Knight. The concern would be if there are any potential sanctions for the program or Will Wade, as they’ve been linked to improper recruiting allegations for years. After Sean Miller’s dismissal at Arizona, Coach Wade may not be completely safe either.

Home/NCAA Basketball News