LOUDONVILLE, NY – Fresh off arguably the greatest rookie season in program history, Siena Basketball freshman phenom Jalen Pickett has decided to test the NBA draft waters. The Rochester, New York standout has entered his name into consideration for the 2019 NBA Draft, but will adhere to the steps necessary to maintain his collegiate eligibility and allow for a return to the Saints for a sophomore season.
 
"To one day make it to the NBA has always been a dream of mine," said Pickett. "The opportunity to put my skills on display and receive feedback on where I stand in this process that the NBA has created will be invaluable. I am thankful for all of the support that I have received in my decision to pursue this opportunity."
 
New NCAA legislation enacted in 2019 allows for college basketball players to declare their eligibility for the draft by notifying the NBA offices in writing no later than 60 days before the draft. The 2019 NBA Draft is set for June 20, with the deadline to declare falling at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 21. Student athletes are allowed to be represented by an agent if they request an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee. For underclassmen to retain collegiate eligibility, the agreement with an agent must be in writing, and be disclosed. Early entrants may try out with NBA teams and participate in the NBA Draft Combine. Student athletes who wish to maintain their NCAA eligibility must formally remove their name from consideration for the draft and terminate their relationship with the agent by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 29, ten days following the conclusion of the NBA Draft Combine.
 
"Jalen is going to take advantage of the NCAA rules that allow him to test his game at the highest level," explained head coach Carmen Maciariello. "This will be a good opportunity for him to not only showcase his skills, but also allow him to gain valuable feedback on his game. I fully support Jalen, and commend him and his family for making this informed decision."
 
Pickett recently concluded the most decorated single season in program history. A Freshman All-American, NABC District 1 First Team selection, and the ECAC Rookie of the Year and Second Team All-ECAC pick, he was also heralded as the unanimous 2018-19 MAAC Rookie of the Year and a First Team All-MAAC honoree. Pickett became the first freshman in program history to be named an NABC District 1 First Team selection and ECAC Rookie of the Year, and he was just the second rookie in MAAC history to earn First Team All-MAAC acclaim.
 
Also tabbed a unanimous MAAC All-Rookie Team selection, Pickett won a league-record 11 MAAC Rookie of the Week honors this season which was tied for the second most in any conference in NCAA Division I history. He was named the CBS Sports/USBWA National Freshman of the Week on Feb. 19, and on Dec. 3 swept the MAAC's weekly honors to become just the fourth league freshman in the past 33 years to be named MAAC Player of the Week.
 
Pickett ranked ninth nationally this past season in assists (6.7), 22^nd in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.76), and 35^th in steals (2.0). Amongst NCAA Division I freshmen, he ranked third in assists and fourth in both assist-to-turnover ratio and steals. Pickett led the MAAC overall in both assists and assist-to-turnover ratio, ranked second in steals, fourth in blocks (0.9), and seventh in scoring (15.8). He broke both Siena's freshman scoring (521) and steals (66) records, while also achieving the fourth highest single-season assist total overall (221) in school history.
 
Only one former Siena player has appeared in an NBA game. Edwin Ubiles played in four games with the Washington Wizards in March 2012, totaling 14 points and 10 rebounds spanning 52 minutes of action. Kenny Hasbrouck signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Miami Heat in March and April of 2010, although never saw action in a regular season contest.