Friday, November 20, 2009

Trouble at Manhattan: Pickett Suspended

Badad news for the Manhattan men's team.

It appears that its highly regarded newcomer Rico Pickett, has been suspended from the team.

Here's some information that appeared on the blog of New York Daily News college basketball writer Sean Brennan:

"... the Jaspers had suffered another loss when head coach Barry Rohrssen suspended junior guard Rico Pickett indefinitely for what the school is terming a "violation of team rules."

"The 6-4 Pickett, who played his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Miami Dade CC for his sophomore season, scored 14 points in the loss to Princeton and was averaging 12.5 points and four rebounds through the Jaspers first two games. Pickett was an addition who was being looked upon to supply a good bulk of the offense at Manhattan this season.

"No one was saying how long the "indefinite" part of the suspension means for Pickett, but one thing is sure, he will miss Saturday's home game against William & Mary. The Jaspers have a quick turnaround and play Mike Jarvis' Florida Atlantic team Monday night at Draddy Gym before closing out the month with a trip to American on Nov. 25 before hosting the "Battle of the Bronx" against Fordham on Nov. 28.

Pickett's availability for those games is considered murky at best."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Other details about Pickett's suspension are not forthcoming. There is nothing on the school's website about Pickett's situation, and coaches are loathe to discuss suspensions.

Your blogger will say this: Pickett appeared to be one of the more-gifted players joining a conference program this season, and his presence, particularly on the offensive end, is strongly needed by the Jaspers.

Manhattan will certainly struggle in his absence. Without him in the lineup the Jaspers would likely be the primary contender for last place in the conference standings.

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