One of the top available prospects in Arizona's 2024 Class is Dream City Christian Prep's tough and talented 6-foot senior point guard prospect Gabe Pickens. We recently wrote about Pickens still looking for his college recruitment to take shape this season and spring, and now it looks as though his recruitment has taken off, after a nice offer from New Mexico State University and their new staff. Pickens has also picked up his play this season for the Dream City Christian Prep program, and now looks to be set to have a strong finish to his senior season, and also his college recruitment as the season continues to progress.
Pickens received the offer from New Mexico State last week in nice fashion, as it became his first Division-I offer to his credit. More definitely now look to be on the horizon, as Pickens is a prospect with a true position, as a point guard, and he is among the best at the position, while also being one of the top defenders from the guard position in the West, I believe. He is capable of becoming a lock-defender at the college level, while also knowing how to operate a talented team of performers, which he does quite well for Head Coach Kyle Weaver and the Dream City Christian program.
Pickens is currently ranked among our top overall prospects in the state, regardless of class, and he is definitely among the elite PG's in the 2024 Class. I expect him to garner much more recruiting interest as the season progresses. Pickens is also the younger brother of UC-Riverside freshman Nate Pickens.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Pickens is different as a point guard prospect, as he is very strong physically and plays like a bull from the guard position. He is tough and difficult to defend off the dribble, as he goes hard to the basket and gets into the line quite often, where he is a good finisher and likes to draw contact from defenders. He is a very strong driver of the basketball, the best in the state, and also is a strong finisher in the lane and over or around defenders. Pickens possesses an excellent handle of the basketball, as the ball is on a string for him. He changes speeds and direction off the dribble consistently, making him very difficult to defend for one guard. He sets up his drives with a nice shooting stroke and a soft touch from the perimeter. He has nice range on his jump shot also, and is able to stretch the defense. Pickens pushes the ball up the floor and likes to apply pressure on opposing defenses. He plays fast and also gets low to the ground on his dribble. A very good passer and floor general that sees the floor quite well. He knows how to run a team efficiently, and is a plug and play PG. He has a high basketball IQ, and should be able to play immediately over time in college, as a result. He is also an excellent defender with quick hands and feet, and also very good on-court anticipation, that allows him to play passing lanes. A capable lock-down defender over time.
