Mineral Area College

Basketball Player Profile

    #42  Byron Pickens

     Senn High School (Chicago, IL)

     6’7”     Forward  

    Freshman

Parents Names:   Sandra & Bruce Pickens

Major:  Criminal Justice

Future Occupation:   Probation Officer

Favorite Thing To Do:  Text

Favorite Foods:  Chicken and Macaroni

Favorite Movie:   Harlem Nights

Favorite Song (Artists): Kanye West

Role Model:   Sandra Pickens

Favorite Sports Star:  Jason Kidd

My Most Memorable Moment:   Beating my brother in a one on one

Three Words That Best Describe Me:   Hard  To Stop

2007 at Senn HS:

Pickens was a spring commitment to University of Illinois – Chicago, but decided to spend his freshman season at Mineral Area College late this summer.  He was an Illinois Class AA All-State selection, as well as an All-City and All-Conference (Red North) selection as a senior.  Pickens was named the Conference MVP in 2007 while leading his team to a 21-11 record and a second place finish in the Conference.  He averaged 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks while leading the Bulldogs to the Stagg High School Thanksgiving Tournament Championship and a 3rd Place finish in the Centralia Holiday Tournament (led tournament in rebounds and blocks).  Pickens was an All-Conference selection and the Conference MVP during his junior season for Coach Moody as well.  He had standout summers for the Chicago Demons and Chicago Top-Flight AAU, helping him to land as the #30 ranked player in Illinois by Mid-States Hoops.com.  “Pickens ranks as one of the most athletic post prospects in the state of Illinois. He is quick off the floor, and is dominant as both a rebounder, and as a shot-blocker,” reported Brian Stinnette from ChicagoHoops.com.  He also netted the #34 slot in Illinois High School Basketball’s Top 2007 Seniors and was named the “Top Up and Coming Power Forward” by Michael O’Brien of the Chicago Sun Times.