Pickert announced his retirement after the Horsham Hornets' semi-final loss to Geelong United on Saturday night.

After 18 years and 320 games with the Hornets, Pickert, 33, said it was time to focus on his family.

"It's going to be a hard thing to do," Pickert said.

"But it's something I've thought about for a long time, and it's something I've decided is the best thing for me moving forward.

"I've spent the last 20 years involved in a sporting team, whether that is footy or basketball.

"I'm 33 now with a four-week-old son, so it's time for me to move away and focus on life after basketball.

"I'll miss it, but it's going to be good to get my summers back. I'm sure I'll be spending a fair bit more time out on the golf course."

Pickert retires with 320 games under his belt, the most in Hornets' recorded history. Across his career, Pickert has won five championships, seven club MVPs and two league MVP awards.

Pickert's long-time teammate and former coach Cam Bruce said it was a career to be proud of.

"320 games, that speaks for itself really," Bruce said.

"He's dedicated a lot of time and effort into the association, and into getting the best out of himself. He should really be commended for that.

"He's been a terrific leader for many junior kids coming up through the association."

On an individual level, there's no doubting the star Hornet could play on for years to come. He finished Saturday's semi-final loss against Geelong with a game-high 33 points.

While Pickert said it was disappointing to go out with a loss, he knew it was time to call it quits.

Pickert said he was stepping aside with the Horsham Amateur Basketball Association in a position of strength.

"It's unfortunate to go out that way and not have one last go at a grand final, but it's been my last year all year," he said.

"I said to the boys after the game, that the basketball program in Horsham is as good as it has been in a long time.

"The kids coming through are really talented and have bright futures, so the Hornets are going to be living on even though a few of us might be moving aside.

"I'm just wishing all the best for the basketball program moving forward."

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