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But Payne catches attention of long list of schools
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Saturday, Apr 25, 2009
Adreian Payne has not eliminated the University of Akron from consideration as an outlet for his basketball skills.
Payne, who is ranked as the No. 11 junior in the country by Scout.com, was at Rhodes Arena on Friday night competing with All-Ohio Red in the King James Shooting Stars Classic.
Payne, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound center-forward from Dayton Jefferson High School, began considering the Zips last year when fewer colleges were interested.
But a spectacular AAU season in 2008 for the national champion All-Ohio Red and a productive junior year at Jefferson has caught the attention of the high majors.
Still, the Zips were mentioned when he was asked about the schools on his list.
''Kansas, West Virginia, UD [Dayton], Xavier, Akron and a lot more,'' said Payne, who averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks last season for Jefferson.
Scout.com lists Pittsburgh, Kentucky, UCLA and Cincinnati, among others, as seeking his services.
Payne had an official visit to UA planned earlier this month, but had to cancel it because of a commitment to the All-Ohio Red.
He said the Zips remain in the picture because he developed a rapport with Zips coach Keith Dambrot, whose team qualified for the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
''I liked the coach . . . his personality,'' Payne said. ''He came down to my school and he seemed like a nice guy.''
Payne is one of the highest-rated juniors in the country still uncommitted. Three of his All-Ohio Red teammates — Jared Sullinger (Ohio State), Juwan Staten (Dayton) and Aaron Craft (Tennessee) — have already signed letters of intent. Another teammate, J.D. Weatherspoon, committed to Xavier, but changed his mind.
Payne said his goal is to cut the list of schools to eight by the beginning of his senior year and take it from there.
''It's a big decision,'' Payne said. ''I really want to take my time to make it the right one.''
Payne starts for an All-Ohio Red team that won AAU age-group national championships in 2007 and 2008. Over the last three years, Red has a record of 150-4.
''He is long and athletic, super athletic,'' All-Ohio Red coach Quentin Rogers said. ''The sky is the limit with him. His potential is through the roof.''
On Friday night, All-Ohio Red opened play in the tournament by beating Playground Elite of Wisconsin 73-54.
Staten, whose Thurgood Marshall High School team lost to St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Division II state final, led the way with 19 points. Sullinger, who led Columbus Northland to the Division I state championship, added 13.
Payne, showing the ability to run the floor and move his feet on defense, had nine points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
In the first half of the 32-minute game, he grabbed a deep defensive rebound in the key, dribbled all the way for a layup, was fouled and made the free throw. In the second half, he went high for an offensive rebound, slammed it back for a dunk, was fouled, but missed the free throw.
''It wasn't my best,'' said Payne. ''There is always another game.''
The tournament continues today and Sunday at courts all over the area. It has drawn about 560 teams and 5,800 players ages 9 to 17.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Adreian Payne has not eliminated the University of Akron from consideration as an outlet for his basketball skills.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 02:01 PM, 04/25/2009
If Payne decides to commit to the Zips, watch out!Akron Zips basketball. Gonzaga of the East.
Posted 08:04 PM, 04/25/2009
Gonzaga of the east? More like "Memphis of the MAC". It rolls off the tongue better.
Posted 11:39 AM, 04/26/2009
More like AKRON of the EAST. Akron doesnt play like Gonzaga (a school that is only a few felons short of kent state).
Let's go Payne, pick smart but more importantly PICK AKRON.
Posted 02:11 AM, 05/02/2009
GO ZIPS! I love the UA coverage! If this kid signs with UA I want to see a front cover Beacon with a photo of Zeke and Payne together!
Regardless, UA hoops is ON THE RISE!
