Q&A with Penn State Wilkes-Barre's Anthony Picott

Story courtesy of Penn State Wilkes-Barre Athletics' Kyler Burke

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Anthony Picott is a fourth-year student-athlete majoring in business administration with a concentration in accounting at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Picott took the time to answer some questions from Kyler Burke, student sports information coordinator at the campus.

Kyler: What made you want to play basketball? Or was it more like you started when you were very young and just continued?

Anthony: I started when I was young, and I continued as I got older. It’s crazy you say that because as a kid, I didn’t really like basketball. My favorite sport was actually football. I wanted to be a great wide receiver and go to the NFL, but I played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball my freshman year of high school in the summer with Team Loaded Virginia. We went to places like Las Vegas, Orlando and Indiana, and I just said, “Wow, this little basketball could take me around the world.” So, I pretty much just wanted to stick with it.

Kyler: What is your position on the court? And what is the hardest job of your position?

Anthony: My position is shooting guard. The hardest part I would say is definitely being vocal. I’m not much of a vocal person because I lead more by example, and with this being my senior year, I’m only guaranteed to have a certain number of games left. I want to go out on top and I want to be a conference and national champion. Me locking in and focusing helps my teammates do the same thing, to understand the goal.

Kyler: Are there things you can teach the younger players?

Anthony: Yes, definitely. Just taking everything seriously, you know, from the time you wake up, to going to the gym, being punctual and being on time. And the same thing for practice and film. We’re only locked in for a certain amount of hours and to have that mental focus each and every day, that’s going to be the difference. We’re talented as a team, but the little things are what will get us to the top.

Kyler: What does it feel like to be in your last year of college basketball?

Anthony: It feels surreal. It feels bittersweet to think about when I first started as a freshman back in Kansas, and then going to Bluefield, and then coming here, and my development and my hard work and determination and to see my talents flourish.

Kyler: So, you went to multiple colleges before you came to Penn State Wilkes-Barre?

Anthony: Yes, I went to junior technical college in Kansas for two years at Northwest Kansas Technical College, and then I went to Bluefield College, now Bluefield University, which is an NAIA school in Virginia, and then that didn’t work out at all. I came here and COVID hit, and it took my season away. Essentially, I went pretty much four years of little to no basketball experience.

Kyler: But now, you’ve got plenty of experience. You played last year, and now you’re playing this year as well.

Anthony: Yes, ma’am.

Kyler: Are you excited for what is to come after graduation? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Anthony: My hopes and dreams for the future, starting right now, they haven’t changed. I definitely want to win a conference championship and a national championship. I would love if I am blessed, you know, because I keep God first always, to go play professionally overseas. If I have the chance, I would love to extend my career. I’m just going with whatever God takes me. I’m just walking in His footsteps, walking with His time and His speed. Whatever He has planned for me, I’ll follow through with it.

Kyler: If you weren’t able to play professionally, what type of job would you choose (for accounting)?

Anthony: I would definitely work at a corporate job. Not only would I do accounting, I would definitely help kids as well, because I enjoy taking care of kids.

Kyler: Would you ever consider coaching a basketball team for children?

Anthony: I’ve got to think about it, because I know tough love is part of the game. Right now, I really haven’t thought about it that far, but if I could and that’s my calling, then I wouldn’t mind it. 

Kyler: Do you remember your first basketball game, and if you do, what was special about it?

Anthony: My first basketball game was when I was 7 years old. I played rec league at Sonnet Elementary School for the Wolf Pack for my dad and another teammate’s father. I want to say the most special thing about it is that I made my first jump shot. That’s all I could really do. I really couldn’t do anything else. I couldn’t dribble, I couldn’t pass, but I could shoot the ball pretty well for a kid.

Kyler: What was your first memorable basketball game?

Anthony: In seventh grade, I played future league for Heritage High School, and we played against Norview High School. I had my career high, which was 33 points.

Kyler: You should be very proud of your accomplishment. It’s amazing to see how players develop, especially watching from the sidelines. Is there anything you would like to say about the support you’ve had from your team and the coaches?

Anthony: I would say the support is amazing. It’s probably the best support that I’ve had in college when it comes to a team base. My teammates believe in me and they trust my hard work. They respect my work ethic immensely, and so does the coaching staff as well. I love the development that the coaches do for me. Whether it’s drills, whether it’s just teaching me pointers and giving me insight on becoming better, not only for myself but for the team as well, they push me each and every day, at practice even through my goods and bads, my ups and downs, my struggles and my success. They’re always there for me and I can’t ask for a better group of guys. It’s just amazing to have them as teammates and as a coaching staff.

Kyler: Would you say that you’ve created some long-lasting bonds that you’ll take with you outside of college?

Anthony: For sure. No doubt.

Kyler: Last question: Being from Newport News, Virginia, do you ever get homesick, or is it more of an adventure?

Anthony: It’s more of an adventure. I’m never really homesick. Like I said, just having great teammates and having great coaching staff, they make me feel at home. This is actually my second year where I haven’t gone home during the school year. Last year, I didn’t go home. I stayed from August all the way to the very last day of the school year, and I’m doing the same thing again.

Kyler: Thank you, Ant.

Anthony: You’re welcome.