Pickett Ready to Roll with the Tide

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Decatur
AL's Rico Pickett, shown here at the recently completed NBA Players Associaton Top 100 Camp in Richmond, VA, has chosen to attend college at Alabama. Teaming with fellow future Bama teammate Senario Hillman, Pickett averaged 7 points per contest, over the course of five games.

June 25, 2006 - It’s rapidly becoming apparent that Decatur High (Decatur, AL) junior Rico Pickett should change his name to Rico “Suave”, due to his “smooth” play on the basketball court.

Standing 6’2, 160 pounds, the Red Raider showed he belonged after being selected to the NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp last week.

Displaying an impressive handle and excellent quickness, Pickett teamed up with his future University of Alabama teammate Senario Hillman to give scouts and fans alike a glimpse of things to come down on the Capstone.

The Crimson Tide commit also nailed open jumpers, as well as, got to the cup when necessary to either score or dish to a teammate.

“I have really enjoyed my time here at camp, but it’s not all fun and games”, exclaimed Pickett. “I have learned a lot while being in Richmond also”.

Being under the tutelage of many former NBA stars proved beneficial to Rico and the rest of the student-athletes in attendance. Pickett learned a few things he hadn’t acquired in his years playing ball.

“I learned some skills this week that will help me when I return for my senior season at Decatur”, said Pickett.

While Rico is usually the quiet leader and lets his game do the talking, he is becoming a more vocal floor general and shaping himself into the consummate point guard.

Offensively, Rico knows he needs to work on his mid-range jumper and improve on the defensive side of the ball. He still managed to post averages of 20 points and seven assists per contest, while leading Decatur High to the state 6A playoffs. Despite such lofty numbers, Pickett continues to work on all aspects of his game.

The decision to matriculate to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while a difficult one for the teenager was made earlier this year and Rico is completely satisfied with his choice.

“I wanted to be close to home so my family could see me play”, opined Pickett, who also is connected with the coaching staff of the Tide.

“I feel at home when in Tuscaloosa. I clicked with the coaches and the players and love the system that they run”, he said. Connecticut, Illinois, Georgia and others where also involved in the recruiting process.

Rico is already qualified academically, having scored a 22 on his ACT, so he can exclusively focus on continued improvement on the hardwood for the rest of the summer.

In addition to his team’s camp back in Decatur, he will participate in the ABCD camp on July 3rd, the North-South Junior All-Star game in Alabama and the Big Time Tourney in Las Vegas.

Rumble, young man, rumble.