Pickett looking at three along with the Tide

Before the spring travel season even began, Rico Pickett of Decatur (Ala.) High School committed to his home-state school. For months leading up to the early signing period, Pickett has had doubt about the commitment, leading to him reopening his recruitment. Now three other programs are vying with the Tide for the 6-foot-4, 170-pound point guard.

"I had been thinking about decommitting for a couple months, but I didn't tell anybody," said Pickett. "Finally, I sat down with my family, and they got behind me. I knew if I wasn't sure, I needed to find out before it was too late."

Now enter Florida State, North Carolina State and Illinois. Both Florida State and North Carolina State have made their way to Decatur, and Coach Bruce Weber has been on the phone with Pickett.

"I would like to visit all three of the new schools," said Pickett. "I plan on going to FSU the weekend after this one. And I'd like to squeeze in visits with the other two. If I don't have time, I'll either sign late or won't be able to do the visits."

Pickett has not given up on Alabama, however, and the Tide's coaching staff hasn't given up on Pickett, yet.

"Alabama is still my frontrunner," he said. "I just want to see if the schools that are interested in me are a better fit for me.

"Alabama was upset when, but they still want me. I don't know what they will do if I don't sign on November 8th. If they take the scholarship away, then I'll have to live with it. I just know I have to make sure I make the right decision. I rushed into it the first time.

"I know I want to be around good people and work with a good coaching staff. Playing time is very important. It's going to be hard for someone to beat what Alabama has to offer, especially since Ron Steele will be leaving and I can come in and play right away."

Pickett, who is the No. 48 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, averaged 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per game as a junior.

Rico Pickett scouting report:

With a very nice combination of size and athleticism at the point guard position, Pickett is an unselfish set up man with good court vision. Good with either hand on the drive and the finish, he can score both at the basket and from the outside. He does tend to force things to the rim when he gets in the lane, though, and has plenty of room to improve as a defender.