FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Wayne High School has found its new boys basketball coach.
Byron Pickens’ hiring was approved Monday by the Fort Wayne Community Schools board.
“I’m just blessed to be part of a program and a community that cares about the kids,” Pickens tells ParkviewSportsMedicine.com.
This is high school head coaching job for Pickens, who spent the last 3 seasons as an assistant coach at Northrop under Rod Chamble. The Bruins won a share of the Summit Athletic Conference Championship and their first sectional title since 2013.
“Coach Rod gave me a lot of help on becoming a head coach. He put me under his wing,” he adds.
Pickens has also coach several AAU teams in his native Chicago, as well as Gym Rats 15U and 17U squads since moving to Fort Wayne five years ago. He will stress unselfish play while showcasing athletes on the Generals’ roster.
“I want these kids to give it their all, and know that they have someone on the bench who will do the same.”
Pickens played his high school at Chicago Senn High School, earning conference MVP and All-State honors. He started his college career at Mineral Area Community College in Missouri. After 2 years, he transferred to Tennessee Tech for his junior and senior seasons. Pickens is a marketing director for a group of senior living facilities in Waynedale.
Wayne is one of 26 high schools that partners with Parkview Sports Medicine for athletic training, sports performance, nutrition, athletic rehabilitation and orthopedic services for student-athletes. Learn more at ParkviewSportsMedicine.com.