CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University men's basketball program added another member to its staff, announcing the hiring of Josh Pickens as graduate assistant coach, effective immediately.

Pickens joins Saints' first-year men's basketball Head Coach Oliver Drake and second-year assistant coach Justin Jackson and is yet another alumnus of Ashford brought on as a graduate assistant to aid the athletic department.

"We're very excited to bring back Josh to Ashford University to be a member of our basketball staff," Drake said. "He has a great passion for the game of basketball and willingness to work; those qualities along with his background as a player here will be invaluable to our program."

Pickens was a long-range gunner as a guard for the Saints after transferring from Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill. He hit several memorable buzzer-beating shots during his two-year tenure in purple and gold and was voted the Saints' team MVP during his senior campaign.

Pickens ranked third in the Midwest Collegiate Conference in three-point field goals made as a senior, connecting on 70, while earning honorable mention all-league accolades. He averaged over 12 points per game in his final year and tied for the team lead in assists.

While at Rock Valley, Pickens was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection. He completed his prep career at Jefferson High School.

Last season, Pickens was the Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Rock Falls High School. He graduated in Dec. of 2009 with his Bachelor of Social Science degree and is beginning classes to obtain his Master's Degree in Education and Public Policy.

"It's truly a blessing for me to come back and be a part of my alma mater," Pickens said. "I'm ready to learn from the coaches and soak up as much as I can. It's an exciting time for my career and I'm looking forward to the next step and where that will lead."