Pickett names leader

One of the top junior college prospects in the country, Rico Pickett is closing in on a college decision, and it looks like it will be a powerhouse from the Big East.

Pickett, who transferred from Alabama and then excelled at Miami Dade C.C., has scheduled an official visit to Connecticut on April 15. Assuming the trip goes well and Pickett is assured that Connecticut will not receive severe penalties for the recent allegations of recruiting violations, Pickett will commit to the Huskies.

"UConn is my leader," said Pickett, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound combo guard. "If all the violations are cleared, then I'll commit to UConn. I'm just playing it cool right now and waiting to see what happens."

Florida is the other school still in the mix, but Pickett doesn't plan to schedule a visit with Florida unless things are unsettled after his UConn visit.

Pickett, who averaged 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game this year, recently eliminated Tennessee, LSU and Manhattan, whom he officially visited.

If Pickett does sign with UConn, he would join guards Darius Smith and Jamaal Trice, who committed to the Huskies after the early signing period. Five-star prospect Alex Oriakhi and four-star prospect Jamal Coombs-McDaniel signed with UConn in the fall.