BYU men’s basketball has bolstered its roster with the addition of UC Riverside transfer guard Nate Pickens. The 6-foot-3 combo guard announced his commitment to the Cougars on May 7, 2025, via Instagram, marking a significant acquisition for head coach Kevin Young as the program builds upon its recent success .
Pickens brings a wealth of experience to Provo, having played in 97 games with 53 starts over three seasons at UC Riverside. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 39.5% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc . His standout performance included a career-high 27 points against Long Beach State, where he shot 8-of-13 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range, and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line .
Notably, Pickens impressed BYU earlier in the season by scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting in a closely contested game in Provo, a performance that likely caught the attention of the Cougars’ coaching staff .
At BYU, Pickens is expected to serve as a versatile guard, capable of playing both point and shooting guard positions. He will likely provide depth behind starting point guard Rob Wright III, a five-star transfer from Baylor, and could also play alongside other playmakers such as AJ Dybantsa, Kennard Davis, and Tyler Mrus .
Pickens’ commitment is part of a broader effort by Coach Young to strengthen the team’s backcourt. His ability to create his own shot, drive to the basket, and shoot efficiently from long range makes him a valuable addition to the Cougars’ roster .
With Pickens joining the team, BYU continues to build on its momentum from a 26-10 season that culminated in the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011. His experience and skill set are expected to contribute significantly as the Cougars aim for another deep postseason run.
As BYU prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Nate Pickens adds depth and versatility to the backcourt, positioning the team for continued success in the competitive landscape of college basketball.