The Siena Saints Men's Basketball season has yet to tip off but one Saint is already caught the attention of not one but TWO major awards. Junior guard Jalen Pickett will be on a shortlist of NCAA men's basketball players under consideration for the Lute Olsen and Lou Henson Awards both honoring the nation's top players.

Jalen Pickett has had a pretty eventful lead up to the 2020 - 2021 season. Pickett has already overcome COVID-19 and has been the focus of many local debates as to why he wasn't named a team captain. Now there will be even more focus on the Junior from Rochester New York as he joins 29 other men's basketball players on the watch list for the Lute Olson award given to the nation's top Division I player. Pickett is also on the watch list for the Lou Henson Award presented annually to the nation’s top Division I mid-major player. The Lou Henson Award has a watch list consists of 50 players at the mid-major level. So Jalen Pickett is already regarded as one of the nation's top 30 or 50 players and Siena hasn't played a single game yet.

We spoke to Coach Carm yesterday and he hopes to set up at least two non-conference games prior to the MAAC competition. So with any luck, we'll get to see Pickett and the rest of the Saints on the court soon but if they have to wait until MAAC plays we're looking at the weekend of December 11th and 12th at Fairfeild.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From 104.5 THE TEAM