BYU sparks major buzz with another addition through the transfer portal
If BYU fans felt the 2025-26 basketball roster was nearly complete, think again—Kevin Young and his staff just added one more weapon.
UC Riverside transfer Nate Pickens, a dynamic 6-foot-3 combo guard, has officially committed to BYU following a campus visit on May 1–2. The senior-to-be brings scoring punch, elite shooting splits, and underrated athleticism to a Cougar backcourt that's already bursting with playmaking depth.
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Pickens quietly put up consistent numbers at UC Riverside, averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season. His efficiency stood out: 40% from the field, 39% from three, and 76% from the line. With nearly half his shots coming from beyond the arc, he went 47-for-120 from deep and ranked 12th in the Big West in free throw rate—an indicator of his aggressive shot creation. Against BYU earlier in the season, he dropped 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, proving his ability to perform on a big stage.
With Rob Wright expected to run the show and AJ Dybantsa and Kennard Davis sharing facilitation duties, BYU didn't need a traditional point guard—they needed a backcourt weapon. Pickens fits the mold: he can create off the bounce, space the floor, and elevate in traffic. He'll likely slot in as a backup point guard and secondary creator, offering high-level production without the pressure of primary playmaking.
Nov 30, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; UC Riverside Highlanders guard Nate Pickens (11) celebrates after dunking the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pickens enters his senior season with three years of D-I experience. That maturity matters. With Big 12 play demanding physical and mental toughness every night, BYU gains a battle-tested contributor who has already shown he can deliver in hostile environments.
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With Pickens on board, BYU's backcourt is now one of the most intriguing in the Big 12. Fans won't have to wait long to see how Young integrates him into a rotation loaded with versatility. The Cougars are going all-in on depth and firepower—and Pickens might be the final piece that tips the balance.
Related: BYU Basketball players are turning heads for unexpected choice
Related: AJ Dybantsa admits BYU wasn't top school, blown away by NBA ready program
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