The college basketball season continues to roll on, as we dive more into teams and players throughout the landscape of all levels. Getting a chance to dive more into the production of players, senior Jalen Pickett from Penn State is one that continues to stand out with his overall impact on the court. Pickett is putting up outstanding numbers and has been named to the Wooden Award Top 20. And when you watch his game, his feel, how he operates on the court' Pickett should be one worth looking at as he looks to play at the next level.
At Siena:
2018-19: 15.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.7apg, 2.0spg
2019-20: 15.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.0apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg
2020-21: 12.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, 1.1bpg, 0.9spg
At Penn State:
2021-22: 13.3ppg, 4.4apg, 4.3rpg, 1.1spg
2022-23: 17.6ppg, 8.0rpg, 7.0apg, 1.1spg
When you look at this year's numbers and you dive into them a little more compared to others, Pickett is the only player that is posting numbers of 15ppg, 6.0rpg, and 6.0apg this season. If there is a meaning to 'Most Valuable Player' for a team, Pickett certainly fits that definition.
When you watch more of his game, Pickett plays with such good, under-control pace on the court.' You can see that he has terrific court awareness, plays with patience and knows how to set up his teammates, allows the play to develop, and makes strong high IQ passes; that is how he is posting a 7.0A/2.2TO ratio this season.
He also brings good positional size at 6'4.' Pickett's ability to read the defense is fun to watch.' His patience in where and when to attack is strong.' Pickett finds ways to be physical against guards and understands how to create his shot, especially inside the arc.' And his versatility and impact on the court can't be denied; he is the true leader for Penn State.' And when it comes to his draft stock, there will be details that organizations will look at with his game, but with the impact he has shown this season, his feel and understanding, and his court awareness, Pickett is one that is worth looking at more for sure.