OVC Recognizes Three Men's Basketball Players
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's basketball seniors Tyler King (St. Louis), Darrion Baker (Chicago) and Jordan Pickett(Belleville, Illinois) have been recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.
King is recognized as the league's only returning All-OVC honoree from any program. The team's top offensive weapon from a season ago, he led the Cougars with 9.9 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting from the field. His scoring average jumped to 2.8 points per game in OVC play, ranking 13th in the league. King recorded 10 straight double-digit scoring games beginning Jan. 15 at UT Marting and concluding with a season-best 27 points at home against UT Martin Feb. 14.
Baker and Pickett are SIUE's players to watch in the OVC.
Baker returns for his third year in a Cougar uniform after transferring from Akron ahead of the 2024-25 season. After an injury-shortened 24-25 season, Baker averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 2025-26, which jumped to 8.6 points per game in OVC contests. He led the Cougars in three-point shooting at 45.3 percent (34-75) and his 34 three-pointers were second on the team.
Pickett represents yet another four-year player to come through SIUE and play for Head Coach Brian Barone. Having played in 81 games, Pickett is the active leader in games played. In 2025-26, recorded seven-double digit scoring games, including a season-best 15 points in Cougars' 74-56 win over Southeast Missouri at First Community Arena Feb. 12. He also added 12 points at Wisconsin Nov. 17. Pickett was named to Air Force Classic All-Tournament team after averaging 11.5 points and seven rebounds against Air Force and Alabama State. He pulled down a career-best eight rebounds against Alabama State.
The league will hold Media Day, presented by Center Point Energy, Friday in Evansville, Indiana. Barone and King will be on hand in person.
