Elizabeth Pickney

Pickney leads women's hoops through season, homestretch

Months before the Arizona women's basketball team even stepped onto the McKale Center floor to begin practicing for the 2001-02 season, senior forward Elizabeth Pickney had one goal: to finish the job she started four years ago as a freshman.

"If I say I'm going to do something, I will get the job done. I always want to finish everything," Pickney said.

Gearing down the homestretch of what has been a mediocre season for the Wildcats (12-12, 8-7 Pacific 10 Conference), Pickney is prepared to finish out the season on top.

"I want to finish strong by getting more wins and showing everyone that we've improved from the beginning of the season," Pickney said.

With UCLA, Southern California and ASU headed to Tucson to wrap up Arizona's regular season, the Houston native will be relied upon greatly. After all, she leads the Wildcats in six individual categories including points scored and rebounds grabbed per game.

"From the moment she came here, Liz has had an impact (on the program)," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "She's very versatile, both inside and outside, and in the last third of the season, has really picked it up."

One of just two seniors on the team, Pickney knew from the start she would be looked up to by her younger teammates and that if her team was going to be successful, she would have to guide the young squad.

"I try to lead by example because I don't want to preach something I don't do," Pickney said.

Pickney practiced what she preached, becoming the team's most threatening scorer, averaging 17.1 points per game and setting a positive example for her younger teammates.

"Liz has been a positive role model to me and is a good support system," freshman forward Danielle Adefeso said. "She's helped me prepare for next year and has taught me how to be a great athlete."

Her domination showed in the team's 106-60 win over Washington State Saturday - every time she touched the ball the Cougars double-teamed her. But this is nothing new for the senior, who said she is always looking for the double team and is prepared to dish off the ball.

"(The double team) makes me think about passing out or splitting up the double team," Pickney said. "My passing has definitely gotten better because of it."

WSU's defense could not contain Pickney as she rallied for 21 points for her second 20-plus point performance that weekend - after scoring 22 points against Washington - giving UA its second victory over the Cougars this year.

"Liz definitely has the best shot on our team and is the go-to girl," junior forward Krista Warren said.

Adding to her dominance, the UA senior currently leads the team on the glass, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game.

As the Wildcats have learned so many times this season, free throws are important down the stretch.

Pickney is no stranger at the line, leading her team with a stellar 84.7 percent free-throw percentage.

She not only leads this year's team from behind the line but is tied in McKale Center for most free-throw made in one game after she went 15-16 (93.8 percent) in Arizona's 84-68 win over Oregon.

While her game has been perfected on offense, Pickney is no slouch on defense either.

With 31 total blocks this season, the senior has proven that anything other than a good shot will not be permitted as long as she is in the paint.

"Tall people are known for blocking shots, so I try to stay on my feet until the opportunity presents itself to block shots," Pickney said. "That way, it also keeps me out of foul trouble."

The only Wildcat to play and start in all of the season's 24 games, Pickney has yet to be plagued with an injury and leads the team by averaging 32.4 minutes per game.

Considering all she has accomplished in her final year as a Wildcat, the road to the top for the senior has been worth it.

"It's hard work that pays off," Pickney said. "Anything that's easy isn't usually worth anything in the end."

While the Wildcats have already swept the Bruins and Trojans in Los Angeles once this year, Pickney is prepared to do it again, only this time she is hoping it will be on her own court.

From start to finish, Pickney had one goal in mind for the season: to compete and be among the best.

"I want to be the most consistent player I've ever been," Pickney said at the start of the season. "I want to be the best I've ever been this year and I want to blossom - my whole game itself."

Bonvicini and teammates said the UA senior has attained that goal. All that remains to be seen is which new tricks Pickney can come up with for this weekend.

"I wouldn't count us out for this weekend or in the Pac-10 Tournament," Pickney said. "There's more winning to be done. We just need to take advantage of the opportunity and make it happen."