BYU men’s basketball has secured a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of Nate Pickens, a seasoned 6-foot-3 guard transferring from UC Riverside. Pickens brings a wealth of experience and versatility, poised to make an immediate impact in the Cougars’ backcourt.
During his three-year tenure with the Highlanders, Pickens appeared in 97 games, starting 53, and amassed over 700 points. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 39.2% from three-point range. His standout performances included a career-high 27 points against Long Beach State and an 18-point game against BYU at the Marriott Center .
Pickens’ decision to join BYU was influenced by several factors. He cited the electrifying atmosphere of the Marriott Center and the program’s commitment to player development under head coach Kevin Young as pivotal in his choice. “I had some options, but I just came to the conclusion that BYU was probably the best place for me in order to get to the next level, which is my ultimate goal — to play professional basketball,” Pickens stated .
At BYU, Pickens is expected to serve as a combo guard, providing depth behind starting point guard Rob Wright and complementing talents like AJ Dybantsa and Kennard Davis. His ability to play both on and off the ball, coupled with his defensive prowess, aligns well with the team’s strategic needs .
With Pickens’ addition, BYU continues to bolster its roster, aiming to build upon its recent success and make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.
