Alabama The Choice For Rochester Adams Freshman Picot

Parker Picot SS / RHP / Rochester Adams, MI / 2023

It was also much quicker than usual after the Rochester Adams freshman made a recent commitment to Alabama.

“A lot depends on who you talk to,” Picot said in reference to recruitment. “Every coach has a different personality and the way they talk to you.”

That proved to be the selling point for the fifth-rated 2023 in Michigan.

“We started talking in August and we kept in touch,” Picot reflected about Alabama. “Eventually, about a month ago I went there on opening weekend. A big part of my decision was coach (Brad) Bohannon, the way he interacts with players and the way he talked to me. As much as it’s a business, he likes to have fun.

“I liked the atmosphere,” Picot continued. “I had good vibes from it. But coach Bohannon was the biggest factor.”

Schooling was another major part of the decision.

“I like the way academics are set up,” pointed out Picot, a 3.9 student uncertain about a college major, with engineering, sports medicine and physical therapy all considerations at this point in time. “They have tutors available with each class. Say you’re drafted out of high school, tutors will still be available if you return to college. There’s always somebody available for you to help with extra school work. They value that strongly.”

A shortstop and right-handed pitcher at the moment, the chance to do both was another part of what sold the 6-2 160-pounder on a program that has been in the NCAA Tournament 11 times since the turn of the century and to five College World Series in school history.

“They want me as a two-way player,” related the 43rd-ranked freshman shortstop in North America. “Coach would not say where I would play, it’s so early in the process and he doesn’t emphasize that. I’m a shortstop/pitcher now, but I could play outfield.”

Doing each is something Picot takes seriously.