As UIC approaches its non-conference home opener on Monday, the Flames have solidified their roster. Among a mix of talented freshmen and key transfer portal additions, returning senior guard Ethan Pickett has his eye on leading the team to a winning season.
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Pickett participated in the HBCU Elite 100 and JUCOReport.com Elite 150 showcases before committing to UIC. The 6-foot-4 senior played his sophomore season at Triton College (Ill.), averaging 9.8 points per game. Pickett signed with the Flames for his junior year under former head coach Luke Yaklich.
Pickett entered the transfer portal after the Flames terminated Yaklich’s contract this spring. After exploring other options, the guard returned to UIC for his senior season under newly appointed head coach Rob Ehsan.
“He explained to me his vision,” Pickett said to MidMajorBasketball.com. “He told me everything he wanted to do with the program, and I was a fan.”
Although he started 25 games, appearing in all 32 of last season’s games, Pickett averaged just 5.8 points per contest. He scored just under 200 points on the entire season and was the No. 5-ranked scorer on the Flames’ roster. He fell just behind the fourth-ranked scorer in returning senior Filip Skobalj.
After a standout performance in last year’s Missouri Valley Tournament, Pickett has put in the work to play to his fullest potential in his final college season.
“I’ve put in a lot of work. A lot of unseen hours, but I let the stats speak for themselves,” he said.
With a new season ahead, Pickett has high hopes for the Flames. The word “win” frequently appeared in Pickett’s conversation with MidMajorBasketball.com. He feels as though his team is due for a breakthrough season. He emphasized the positive impact of changes across the league and the excitement surrounding the Flames as they enter their second year in The Valley.
“This season’s about to turn the program around,” Pickett said.
On Monday, the Flames’ home opener tips off against St. Francis (Ill.).
