RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan junior guard Rico Pickett has announced he will enter his name in the 2010 NBA Draft. Pickett, a 6'4" product from Decatur, Ala., led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in scoring (17.7 ppg) last season.
"Rico has expressed interest in pursuing a career in professional basketball and at this time would like to enter his name in the NBA Draft," explained Manhattan head coach Barry Rohrssen. "He has met with the school's compliance office to have a full understanding of academic responsibilities and eligibility rules regarding this matter. We at the College support his decision and wish him the best in all future endeavors."
Pickett registered 514 points in 2009-10. He led the Jaspers in scoring 19 times and recorded double-figures in 27 of 29 appearances. Pickett posted 20+ points on 10 occasions and poured in 30+ points twice, including a career-high 33 points in a MAAC Tournament victory over Loyola. The All-MAAC Third Team selection was sixth in the conference with a 44% field goal percentage and ranked in the top-15 in steals (1.3 per game) and 3-point field goal percentage (33.3%). Pickett shot 71.1% from the free-throw line and averaged 3.9 rebounds over 31.4 minutes per game.
"It has always been a goal of mine to play professional basketball," Pickett said. "This is an opportunity I would like to explore at this time. I have not signed with an agent and I do not intend to do so. I have the option to remove my name and return to college."
The 2010 NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, June 24 at Madison Square Garden. Underclassmen have until April 25 to declare for the draft and have until May 8 to withdraw their name.
