David Picton, a celebrated basketball coach and former player, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Sacramento State women’s basketball program for the 2026‑27 season. The university announced the hiring this week, highlighting Picton’s reputation for player development and his deep roots in Canadian basketball.
A Strategic Addition for the Program
Picton’s journey began in the Ontario Basketball Association, where he spent 12 years shaping elite talent and capturing four provincial championships. His leadership at Niagara Prep transformed the academy into one of Canada’s premier preparatory programs, producing ten NCAA Division I scholarship athletes, two professionals and ten members of the Canadian national team.
From 2019 through 2025 he served as a coach and director of player development for the Kia Nurse Elite Nike EYBL circuit, a platform that has launched several future stars. The experience gave him a global perspective, having also guided squads in Germany, Malaysia and Japan.
Internationally, Picton represented Canada, earning a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and medals at the 1993 and 1995 World University Games. He later played professionally in Germany for MTV Giessen Flippers, TK Hannover Flyers and OTSV Quakenbrück Dragons before returning to academia.
Picton holds coaching certifications from both Canada Basketball (Levels 1‑3) and USA Basketball (Gold Coach License) and graduated with honors from Brock University in 1996 with a degree in Administrative Health Studies.