From Big Apple to Denver. This is what Jalen Pickett’s path to the NBA looks like. But not without his family. His journey has been shaped by his close-knit family. Their constant encouragement has fueled his drive to succeed. So let’s look into who his family is.

Where is Jalen Pickett from? What is the nationality of the Nuggets star?

Jalen Pickett was born on October 22, 1999, in Rochester, New York. Which makes his nationality American. But, details about his ethnicity are not known, so it’s safe not to assume anything. On the other hand, he is a private person which leaves us with very few details about his family too. So here is what we know.

Growing up, Jalen was surrounded by supportive family members, especially his mother, Gwendolyn Pickett. She is exactly the opposite of her son- an outgoing personality and she was once famous for her support to him on X. She is often seen cheering from the stands. Her enthusiasm for life, including her love for Halloween, music, and comedy, shines through on social media.

On the other hand, his father is a private person, now you know where Jalen gets his personality from! Frank Pickett works at Boston Scientific and lives in Boston with his wife, Ann Marie. Though Frank isn’t as publicly involved in Jalen’s career, his support is always felt. The hoopster is also blessed with a brother, Annon Bennett, who has also been an influential figure in his life.

The brothers were competitive growing up, which pushed Jalen to gradually improve his basketball skills. Their relationship was built on friendly rivalry and mutual respect, fueling Jalen’s growth as an athlete. As we know his family now, let’s explore his career.

The hoopster’s high school career began at Rochester’s Aquinas Institute which helped him become a standout player. He won MVP honors, leading his team to a Class AA championship. By his senior year, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game and helped his team reach the Class A Federation Final. His impressive skills earned him a spot at Siena College.

Though initially hesitant because of concerns about the school’s coaching staff, Gwendolyn was convinced by the new coaches to allow her son to join. At Siena, Jalen thrived, both as a player and a teammate. His performance helped the team achieve solid results, and he won multiple awards for his contributions. His strong work ethic and leadership qualities stood out to those around him.

While Jalen has risen to prominence in basketball, his roots remain firmly grounded in his family and upbringing. From his high school days to his college career, the hoopster has always had a strong foundation of love and encouragement to propel him forward. His journey, fueled by dedication and family, continues to inspire. However, with that, let’s look into what his college journey was.

When was Jalen Pickett drafted by the Nuggets? Which university did he attend?

Jalen Pickett’s journey to the NBA was full of accolades. As we know, he started as a freshman at Siena averaging 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, and earned MAAC Rookie of the Year honors. He was also named First-Team All-MAAC, a recognition he would earn multiple times throughout his career. However, his big break was still waiting for him.

Do you know when is Picketts day? Okay, so there is nothing as such, but on February 17, 2019, it’s safe to assume the day as Pickett’s day. He scored a career-high 46 points and recorded 13 assists in a triple-overtime loss to Quinnipiac. Indeed, Pickett’s day, right?

This led him to be ranked as one of the top players in college basketball. He continued to shine in his sophomore year, leading Siena to the MAAC regular-season championship while averaging 15.1 points and 6 assists per game. Now nothing to be surprised about here, as for his efforts, he was named the MAAC Player of the Year.

In his junior year, despite being limited by injury and COVID-19 pauses, the hoopster earned his third consecutive First-Team All-MAAC selection. But, there was a twist waiting for him. He then transferred to Penn State in 2021. There, he would clinch some of his biggest records. In 2023 he made history. With 41 points in a win over Illinois, he set a Bryce Jordan Center record. He also became Penn State’s fourth 2,000-point scorer and earned multiple national Player of the Week honors for his outstanding performances against Illinois and Minnesota. And guess what happened next?

In the 2023 NBA Draft, Jalen Pickett was selected 32nd overall by the Indiana Pacers. But later he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. With this selection, he racked up another record. He became Siena Saint’s highest-drafted player. Now, as a member of the Nuggets and their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, he is poised to make an impact at the next level.