Adreian Payne C 2010 (Michigan St commit)

[Ukosumu]

Adreian Payne (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=68813)
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/ADREIANPAYNE1_1150.JPG
http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gif

Center
Dayton (OH) Jefferson
AAU: All-Ohio Red
Ht: 6-foot-9
Wt: 210 lbs
Class: 2010

Rivals.com Rating: NR
2010: Hoops Top 100 ranking (20) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1909)
2010: Center (4) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=2186)

Current list: Cinncinati, Dayton, UK, Florida, Miami (Fla), Ohio State, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Xavier.

[Ukosumu]

Current list does not show Kentucky but ....

From Jody Demling's blog (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html)

Class of 2010 stud Adriean Payne of Dayton (Ohio) Jefferson is making a quick rise towards the top of the rankings in his class. He's a 6-foot-8 beast and has been listing both Louisville and Kentucky on his short list in recent weeks. He's also listing Cincinnati, Xavier, Ohio State and West Virginia as potential schools.

[Ukosumu]

This Bronco's not your typical recruit (http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/high-schools/2008/07/31/ddn073108sppayne.html)

Adreian Payne seemed to spring from nowhere as a standout at tiny Jefferson. Just who is he?

> Recruiting spotlight on big Jefferson star (http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/high-schools/2008/07/31/ddn073108sppayneb1.html)


By Kyle Nagel
Staff Writer - Dayton Daily News

Thursday, July 31, 2008

*****

A couple articles concerning Mr. Payne's recruitment linked above. :icon_smile:

[Ukosumu]

From Jody Demling's blog
Thursday, August 07, 2008

Adidas Nations update (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html)

Some high school prospects with local ties are in Dallas, Tx., through the weekend participating in the adidas Nations program.

The event started on Thursday.

Among the players on the USA 2009 team are Louisville commitment Peyton Siva and Kentucky commitment G.J. Vilarino. Also on that team is Indianapolis standout Stephan Van Treese and UK and Indiana target Christian Watford of Birmingham, Ala.

On the USA 2010 team will be UK and U of L targets Josh Smith of Seattle and Adriean Payne of Dayton, Ohio, and U of L target Tony Wroten of Seattle.

There are also a number of college players at the event, including U of L's Terrance Williams and Tennessee's Scotty Hopson, a University Heights Academy product.

[Ukosumu]

August 21, 2008
by Jody Demling
Concerning the New Scout.com 2010 Rankings

UK is listed with the following guys: No. 5 Brandon Knight, No. 11 Adreian Payne, No. 32 Anthony Johnson, No. 36 Justin Martin, No. 41 Jordan McRae, No. 56 Ian Miller, No. 63 Stacey Poole, No. 69 Russell Byrd, No. 72 Cory Joseph and No. 75 Lenzelle Smith.
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs....html#comments (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/08/barnes-smith-tabbed-high-in-10.html#comments)

[Ukosumu]

Currently #10 for the class of 2010 on Rivals.
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=910&Year=2010&ra_key=1909

[Ukosumu]

ESPNU Super 60 for Class of 2010 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=3557677)
8/28/2008
By Paul Biancardi and Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.

Entering at No. 25, 6-9 PF Adreian Payne (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=54841) (Dayton, Ohio/Jefferson) oozes potential. Extremely long and athletic, he uses those qualities in his game. Payne's a defensive presence -- he's an excellent shot blocker, and when he doesn't block the shot, he certainly changes it. He rebounds on both ends of the floor, especially offensively where he gets his share of put-backs.

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0828/recruit_payne_600.jpg
The 6-9 Adreian Payne has freakish wingspan.

[Ukosumu]

September 11, 2008
Can UK add Ohio big man to Madness list? (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=849440&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)

Jim Tirey
CatsPause.com

With Big Blue Madness just around the corner, the list of recruits who plan to be on hand for the ceremonial start of the Kentucky basketballl season is starting to take shape. And since the Class of 2009 is almost wrapped up for the Wildcats, coach Billy Gillispie and his staff are using the opportunity to get some talented underclassmen to Lexington.

[Ukosumu]

October 2, 2008
Payne is taking it all in (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=857821&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)
Brian Snow
BuckeyeGrove.com

Kids from the state of Ohio tend to come to college decisions early in the process, but one prospect who is content to take his time is Adreian Payne. The five star center from Jefferson High School is simply taking in the whole recruiting process and trying to sort things out slowly.

Current list: Cincinnati, Dayton, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, Miami (FL), Michigan, Ohio St, Tennessee, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Xavier

[Ukosumu]

Jefferson’s Payne on Ohio State wish list (http://miamivalleysports.com/?p=1330)

By Jeff Rapp (bucknuts.com)

This article should be prefaced with the fact that Adreian Payne was not available for comment. Then again, that is not news.

A 6-9, shot-blocking center from Dayton Jefferson and a highly rated recruit, Payne virtually always is mum on the subject of his college outlook.

However, he has offered enough information on the topic to friends and reporters to suggest that he will give some level of consideration to a scholarship from Ohio State. It’s even clearer that the Buckeyes want him – now more than ever.

[WildcatRick]

Visiting UK the weekend of May 16th

[Blue_N_White]

Here's hoping that Adreian enjoys his visit to Lexington this weekend :thumbup:

EDIT: Payne is now ranked #8 OVERALL according to Rivals 2010 Prospect Rankings (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=910&Year=2010&ra_key=1909)

[Bombastic Blue]

Any word on the visit? Anyone seen him out and about? Who was he with? Did he appear to be having a good time?......Anything?

[Soldier1969]

I'm interested in how the visit went as well, anyone heard news on his visit? I am sure he was impressed, just wondering if his visit went smooth and as expected, as well as what he really liked about campus/surroundings...

[WildcatRick]

Loved everything about the visit, from the campus to the staff to the facilities. Very good visit!! Was told how he would fit in and how they would help develop his game. He didnt get to meet the players or Coach Cal, but the visit was very good.

[Wildcat_Fan98]

Rick do you know why he wasnt able to meet the players or Coaches. I am hoping he is a visitor for Midnight Madness

[WildcatRick]

Rick do you know why he wasnt able to meet the players or Coaches. I am hoping he is a visitor for Midnight Madness

He met the coaching staff, just not Cal who was out of town. He said they were only on campus for a couple hours or so.

As far as the players, he made it sound like they were all home, but he may have met some and just meant he wished he could have met them all.

[Blue_N_White]

Anybody have any video of this kid? I saw a couple about a month or so ago....through YouTube, I believe. But I can't seem to find any of them anymore....I guess they've been removed. :shrug1:

[Blue_N_White]

According to this link (http://www.wildcatnation.net/forum/showthread.php?t=61221) in the Recruiting forum in a thread created by WildcatRick.....Payne seems to be close to naming his college destination

- Adreian Payne, who visited UK in early May, said that he plans on making his final decision during the summer. He seemed to like his visit to Lexington but didn’t get the opportunity to meet up with Coach Calipari while he was there. Payne doesn’t plan on taking any more visits at this point and seems to be getting close to making it final.Yet, according to Rivals and Scout...he hasn't narrowed his list OR announced who the leader(s) for his services may be :shrug1:

Anybody got anything new on this kid?

[WildcatRick]

Kentucky sent him a fancy notice made to look like it was from ESPN announcing he’d just committed to the Wildcats.

Tennessee, Adreian Payne said, has sent him “stacks and stacks of stuff.”

Ohio State just added assistant coach Jeff Boals, who has a close relationship with him and now is trying to lure the 6-foot-10 Jefferson High senior to Columbus next year.

And then there’s the University of Dayton, which, among other things, has Juwan Staten, the UD-bound guard, doing its bidding.

LINK (http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/throughthearch/entries/2009/06/24/column_adreian_payne_says_no_t_1.html)

[WildcatRick]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/54/544456m.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:photos();)
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 210
Position: C
Year: Class of 2010
AAU Team: All-Ohio
High School: Jefferson HS (http://hsohio.scout.com/)
(Dayton, OH)

2010 Scout.com HS Basketball Rankings (full list (http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&yr=2010&cfg=bb)):
Pos: C
Pos Rank: #5
Pos Rating: http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif

Scout.com Player Evaluation:
STRENGTHS- Defensive Presence, Explosiveness, Upside/Potential
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT- Go-To-Move, Low Block Scorer, Strength

Serious prospect. Long, shot blocking player who goes above the rim. Has the potential to be a professional basketball player. Needs to develop his offense, get comfortable with a scoring move or two. Defensively he's already there. Blocks shots, runs well and when focused can be Superman on the glass.

[WildcatRick]

Playing close to home can be an enticement for some recruits, but Jefferson High School’s Adreain Payne looked at it as a negative.

The 6-foot-10 senior center — ranked as the 15th-best prospect in the nation by Scout.com and the 20th-best by Rivals.com — has decided he wants to play college basketball out of state and has eliminated Dayton from consideration.

Payne said he has pared his list to five schools: Kansas, Kentucky, Arizona, Michigan State and West Virginia.

LINK (http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/university-of-dayton-flyers/ud-eliminated-from-jefferson-stars-plan-220505.html)

[Ukosumu]

From Matt Jones:

On KentuckySportsReport.com, Larry Vaught today quotes a “reliable source” as saying that Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight are both very close to committing to the Cats. Potential very good news if both of these Class of 2010 guys end up pulling the trigger….
http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176


Larry Vaught quotes "reliable source" on Kentucky Sports Report that Cats are close to commitments from Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight.
http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio

[RxRusty]

This would be a great get. I watched him at the Peach Jam. He's quick, agile and plays hard. He plays facing the basket and would be intimidating with Orton in the post. He played great at the 4 with the big kid (the one going to Ohio State) at center. That combo was responsible for his team winning the Peach Jam. :thumbup:

[WildcatRick]

Adreian Payne has constantly had a UK coach watching his games and Robic took the afternoon shift today. Against a less than formidable foe, his All-Ohio Red team jumped out to a 20 point lead before the end of the first quarter. Payne ran the floor well and battled for rebounds during the blowout. During the day, I was able to speak on the phone for a bit with Payne’s high school coach, Art Winston, who handles his star player’s recruitment. Winston told me that he texted with Payne as recently as Tuesday and also stays in touch with the UK staff on a near daily basis. If something was to change in Payne’s recruitment or Payne’s own mindset, he feels like he would know about it almost immediately. On the recent talk of an imminent commitment to UK from Payne, Winston said, “As far as I know, the rumor is untrue.” He went on to explain that the plan at this time is to allow Payne to finish his AAU season, he plays in the Nike Global Challenge next week, and then sit down and start to work on which schools he will visit or where they will go from here. Winston said that the purpose of the narrowing of the list to five was to set up official visits and to plan on taking those visits. So, according to Winston, everything remains normal on the Adreian Payne recruitment.

[Will Lavender]

From Demling:

Now, how about Adreian Payne? The Dayton, Ohio, center has been the subject of a lot of attention this week talking about perhaps a commitment to Kentucky?

There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes chatter regarding the 6-foot-10 Payne and here's what I can share. Payne has narrowed his list to five schools and UK has made a major play for his services. Many folks actually believe it's down to a pair of schools. But he's a kid that is shy and sometimes very hard to read when talking to him about the whole college recruiting process. I think UK has put themselves into a good position, but I don't expect a commitment anytime really soon.

Trust me, West Virginia is the other school that is right there and Bob Huggins has put a lot of time into this and is not going down without a major battle. It should be fun to see it play out.

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2009/07/friday-afternoon-check-up.html

[WildcatRick]

Sitting in Orlando at the AAU Nationals, I was shocked to hear that rumors were swirling saying that Adreian Payne was close to committing. First I heard UK was the chosen school. Next, I started hearing that UK wasn’t the school and that it was Bob Huggins and West Virginia that would be getting the good news. Watching Tom Izzo, standing at the baseline taking in Payne’s All-Ohio Red game, I wondered why he wasn’t at home surfing the net and finding out that he was wasting his time.

According to Art Winston, Adreian’s high school coach, none of the coaches are wasting their time. “I don’t know where those rumors come from. He hasn’t indicated anything to us as far as being close to West Virginia or Kentucky. He’s still neutral,” he said on Thursday. “His next step will probably be in home visits, so that those coaches at spots where he’s narrowed it down to can sit down with his grandmother and then, after that, he’ll start to set up his official visits.”

When asked whether he felt that Adreian was close to a commitment or still pretty far off, his coach explained, “In our discussions he hasn’t indicated anything like that to me, as far as being close to committing. I would think that he is still pretty far off.”

Adreian’s next step is to compete in the Nike Global Challenge, August 7th-9th, and, as his coach described, “then he’ll sit down with his grandma and me and the assistant coaches and start to set up in home visits. I know the coaches can’t start doing that until September 9th, so it will probably be around that time.”

When Adreian does find a school that suits him, Coach Winston doesn’t feel like he’ll have any trouble fitting in. “His game has evolved tremendously. He came in as a thin kid and real athletic. He’s worked hard to develop his offensive skills and his ball handling skills, so looking back at where he was then and now, as far as how he developed, he’ll be able to play. I don’t think style of play will matter because he’s very athletic, versatile and can shoot the basketball.”

Adreian’s recruitment has now been narrowed down to five schools, including Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan State, Kansas and Arizona. After he competes in the Nike Global Games, its back to high school basketball and working on a college decision that, as of now, he doesn’t seem close to wrapping up.

[WildcatRick]

Not much going on in the recruiting world this weekend, which is the excuse I’m using for my absence, but today I got a little news that was post worthy. As we previously went over, the next step for Adreian Payne is to receive in-home visits from the five schools that he has narrowed it down to and then go on his official visits. Today, Art Winston, Payne’s high school head coach, sent a text saying that Kentucky will have an in home visit with the Payne’s on September 12th.

This will be a very important visit for the staff, as the purpose of the in-homer is to allow Payne’s grandmother, who may not be able to make the official trips with Adreian, to have the opportunity to meet the coaches in person and see how she feels about them. Hopefully Cal will bake cookies, although I’ve heard that Rod Strickland makes a “to die for” batch of double chocolate chunk brownies.

Kansas, according to Rivals, will be making a visit on September 14th. The other three schools, which visit dates are still not known, at least by me, are West Virginia, Michigan State and Arizona.

[WildcatRick]

The biggest news of the night comes from the visit by 2010 recruit Adrian Payne to Kentucky this weekend. I spoke tonight with Art Winston, Payne’s high school coach who accompanied him for his trip. Winston called the trip a “very good one” in which “Kentucky showed us a whole lot.” He said that Payne was most impressed with the fact that he got to watch UK have a team workout. “He was impressed, as was I, with how energetic everybody was. They have guys running around and looking like they are having a lot of fun. You can tell the guys really like that system.” Winston said they had a long conversation with the coaches and that Payne thinks he can fit in with what UK does. John Wall and Demarcus Cousins were the visit “hosts”, which showcases just how much trust Calipari puts in those two young men early on. Winston said Payne will still visit Michigan State, Arizona, West Virginia and Kansas and said that I would have to ask Payne who was his favorite but that he thought Kentucky was “right up there at the top”. I got the impression that the visit went well and the Cats made quite an impression, although Payne is still a long way from making his final choice.

[UKDonkbet]

Hearing Payne has a strong West Virginia lean? Are we losing positioning on him?

[ibleedblue2]

I think they are after Harris really hard right now and our top priority. Read that somewhere AP was second to Harris. I thought Ap was a 5 and Harris a 4. It would be awesome to have both, but at the same time, there is Leslie and Jones, who are both great looking prospects. I say I trust Cal on this.:thumbup:

[Blue_N_White]

I think they are after Harris really hard right now and our top priority. Read that somewhere AP was second to Harris. I thought Ap was a 5 and Harris a 4. It would be awesome to have both, but at the same time, there is Leslie and Jones, who are both great looking prospects. I say I trust Cal on this.:thumbup:

I agree with everything you just said in your post.

I also think, from the sound of things, that you are right in the sense that it does seem to appear that they are "hard after" Harris more so than Payne. But I also agree that it would be nice to have BOTH.

Payne is really the only legitimate "low block, post player" that the Cats appear to be recruiting right now. Harris, Terrence Jones, Leslie, etc., are all 4 men that seem to want to play like guards. That's why I'd like to have one of them, but then ALSO Payne. If you get two of "those" types (PFs who wanna play like wing men), it doesn't create the BALANCE (inside/outside) that is necessary to have a championship team. At the same time, Orton should be back next year, as will Harrellson...so it's not like we'll be completely devoid of having a true C on the team....and any time a school can get two of this kind of talent (Harris, Jones, Leslie, etc.), even if they play the same style and at the same position, they shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth :thumbup:

[UKDonkbet]

I agree with everything you just said in your post.

I also think, from the sound of things, that you are right in the sense that it does seem to appear that they are "hard after" Harris more so than Payne. But I also agree that it would be nice to have BOTH.

Payne is really the only legitimate "low block, post player" that the Cats appear to be recruiting right now. Harris, Terrence Jones, Leslie, etc., are all 4 men that seem to want to play like guards. That's why I'd like to have one of them, but then ALSO Payne. If you get two of "those" types (PFs who wanna play like wing men), it doesn't create the BALANCE (inside/outside) that is necessary to have a championship team. At the same time, Orton should be back next year, as will Harrellson...so it's not like we'll be completely devoid of having a true C on the team....and any time a school can get two of this kind of talent (Harris, Jones, Leslie, etc.), even if they play the same style and at the same position, they shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth :thumbup:

+1. well said

[crazzedcats22]

Looks like Payne will be deciding this Friday

http://highmajorscoop.com/2009/10/payne-to-make-a-decision-soon/

[Wildcat_Fan98]

I really dont know which way Payne is leaning its down to Mich St,Kentucky,Arizona,and West Virginia

[Will Lavender]

I really dont know which way Payne is leaning its down to Mich St,Kentucky,Arizona,and West Virginia

I would be floored if it weren't West Virginia.

Huggins has been recruiting him the longest, Huggins has deep ties to the area of the country Payne is from, Payne took his last visit to WVU, the entire crowd appeared to be recruiting him at their Midnight Madness...

Would be a shocking turn if he chose the Cats.

[The Black Watch]

I would be floored if it weren't West Virginia.

Huggins has been recruiting him the longest, Huggins has deep ties to the area of the country Payne is from, Payne took his last visit to WVU, the entire crowd appeared to be recruiting him at their Midnight Madness...

Would be a shocking turn if he chose the Cats.

This is what I was thinking, as well. He's a tough kid to get a read on, but if you put a gun to my head, I say WVU. JMO.

[crazzedcats22]

I would be floored if it weren't West Virginia.

Huggins has been recruiting him the longest, Huggins has deep ties to the area of the country Payne is from, Payne took his last visit to WVU, the entire crowd appeared to be recruiting him at their Midnight Madness...

Would be a shocking turn if he chose the Cats.

I agree. IMO, there is no way Payne chooses the Cats.

Not going to lie, it is starting to bother me that so many players that have UK at the top of their lists are going elsewhere. Barton, Irving, Payne (possibly), Yacoubou, etc.....

At this point I am wondering who else the Cats will get. Knight is questionable at best, I don't think we get Lamb or Harris. Maybe Selby, maybe Jones. :shrug1:

[mrkdooley]

I agree. IMO, there is no way Payne chooses the Cats.

Not going to lie, it is starting to bother me that so many players that have UK at the top of their lists are going elsewhere. Barton, Irving, Payne (possibly), Yacoubou, etc.....

At this point I am wondering who else the Cats will get. Knight is questionable at best, I don't think we get Lamb or Harris. Maybe Selby, maybe Jones. :shrug1:

I'm a little bothered by Irving and Yacoubou because of their timing, right after the best Midnight Madness in the country! I really think Coach Cal wants Harris, so the Payne won't be a let down at all----nor will this class. By the time all is said and done, we'll have a Top 5 Class.

[Will Lavender]

Read where Cal and the staff went up to Dayton to visit Payne at his school this week. Would suggest they know he's WVU bound and are trying to make one last push.

[The Black Watch]

Read where Cal and the staff went up to Dayton to visit Payne at his school this week. Would suggest they know he's WVU bound and are trying to make one last push.

The timing sure doesn't sound good.

[crazzedcats22]

The timing sure doesn't sound good.

I don't think it is. Everything I have read and heard points to him going to WVU.

[Tampa_Cat54]

I don't think it is. Everything I have read and heard points to him going to WVU.

But hey, Cal is a miracle worker. Maybe hes got another trick up his sleeve. I'm encouraged to hear that he went up and spoke with Payne.

[PJ]

Per Jeff Goodman on Fox Sports..

Adreian Payne, arguably the most talented big man in senior class, will pick from west va, mich st and kentucky tomorrow

Most people think he's a toss up, with a slight, very slight edge to WVU.

[Will Lavender]

Interesting that the announcement day was changed from Friday to Thursday. Not sure if that means anything or not...

I've heard both Payne and his high school coach are mouse-quiet. It's apparently like pulling teeth to get anything at all out of them. Which serves to reason, because it's the day of his commitment and no indications of even a lean except from message board posters.

Could be an interesting day.

[The Black Watch]

Interesting that the announcement day was changed from Friday to Thursday. Not sure if that means anything or not...

I've heard both Payne and his high school coach are mouse-quiet. It's apparently like pulling teeth to get anything at all out of them. Which serves to reason, because it's the day of his commitment and no indications of even a lean except from message board posters.

Could be an interesting day.

Has anyone heard at what time he will announce? You are correct about the Payne camp not spilling the beans. Usually something leaks with these kids. Nobody has heard a peep from these guys, though. I would still be surprised if it's UK.

[crazzedcats22]

This article says Payne is going to Michigan State

http://botbscouting.blogspot.com/2009/10/payne-tomsu.html

[Will Lavender]

This article says Payne is going to Michigan State

http://botbscouting.blogspot.com/2009/10/payne-tomsu.html

That'd be sort of shocking.

Zagsblog suggested this morning that it was down to Michigan State and West Virginia, but Payne's coach denied that on record.

[crazzedcats22]

Has anyone heard at what time he will announce?

6:00

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/hshuddle/entries/2009/10/28/payne_to_announce_college_choi.html

[The Black Watch]

6:00

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/hshuddle/entries/2009/10/28/payne_to_announce_college_choi.html

Thanks for the update. :thumbup:

[crazzedcats22]

That'd be sort of shocking.

Zagsblog suggested this morning that it was down to Michigan State and West Virginia, but Payne's coach denied that on record.

It does concern me that Cal went up there to see him this week and most people are saying it's either WVU or MSU.

Hopefully he chooses the Cats. I can see playing for Izzo, but how could anyone play for the slimebag Huggins???

[Will Lavender]

It does concern me that Cal went up there to see him this week and most people are saying it's either WVU or MSU.

It's not that concerning to me, considering we've got four other top 20 big men we're after, two of whom are on campus at this minute.

These kids make up their minds faster than they let on. If it is MSU as many believe, then he had his decision made by the time Cal showed up. Cal's a great recruiter...but he ain't great enough to get into a player's mind and rearrange stuff around.

[The Black Watch]

It's not that concerning to me, considering we've got four other top 20 big men we're after, two of whom are on campus at this minute.

These kids make up their minds faster than they let on. If it is MSU as many believe, then he had his decision made by the time Cal showed up. Cal's a great recruiter...but he ain't great enough to get into a player's mind and rearrange stuff around.

I think Payne has been less of a target than Leslie, Jones, and Harris. Might be why he will end up elsewhere this afternoon.

[Will Lavender]

I think Payne has been less of a target than Leslie, Jones, and Harris. Might be why he will end up elsewhere this afternoon.

Looked like they made a really hard push at Payne at the beginning, but then faded back. That was about the time the "Leslie is a UK lock" stuff started to drift through the message boards.

Still think we get CJ, which is a good start. And we'll have a good chance at Tobias Harris.

But the guy I really want is T. Jones. Not sure if they can pull him from Washington or not, but you're talking about somebody who might not quite be a one-and-done player but could rearrange the face of the program. Out-of-this-world talent.

[The Black Watch]

Looked like they made a really hard push at Payne at the beginning, but then faded back. That was about the time the "Leslie is a UK lock" stuff started to drift through the message boards.

Still think we get CJ, which is a good start. And we'll have a good chance at Tobias Harris.

But the guy I really want is T. Jones. Not sure if they can pull him from Washington or not, but you're talking about somebody who might not quite be a one-and-done player but could rearrange the face of the program. Out-of-this-world talent.

I agree. I would most want Jones, just because I think he fits the system a little better than some of the others. No knock on anyone else. I would be thrilled to have Jones and Leslie/Harris. Or Leslie and Jones/Harris. I guess I am saying any two of the three. Or all three. Yeah, I guess I am saying I am greedy and want all three. :icon_mrgreen: Seriously, though, I am not sweating Payne to MSU or WVU. He is limited offensively and we can do better.

[crazzedcats22]

Have to subscribe to read this, but Evan Daniels says it's between WVU and MSU as well

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=914035&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fscouthoops.scout.com%2f2 %2f914035.html

[Will Lavender]

Saw a Michigan State fan on another board saying that MSU has actually been in on Payne for months and months and that he was Izzo's #1 priority.

Plus, they have a guy in the MSU program who has personal ties with the Payne family.

[Wildcat_Fan98]

Come on Terrance Jones and CJ Leslie.lol

[crazzedcats22]

From KSR.... everyone is saying that UK is eliminated from this

Sounds Like Payne to Michigan State Right Now (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=32483)

by Dustin Rumbaugh @ 1:15 pm. Filed under Blue Blooded Opinions (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?cat=1)
I’ve heard from a very good source that Adreian Payne will be announcing his commitment to Michigan State tonight. It seems that anyone willing to give this info also gives it with a grain of salt and mentions the off chance that Payne changes his mind just before announcing. In that case, everyone I talk to says it is at least down to West Virginia and Michigan State and that Kentucky will not be chosen. The source that I just spoke to is very close to this situation, so for now it sounds like Payne will be a Spartan…
To know 100% for sure where he is going to go, be sure to tune into ESPNU’s Recruiting Insider tonight at 5:30est.

[crazzedcats22]

Committed to Michigan State

http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/high-school-sports/jefferson-star-payne-picks-michigan-state-374219.html?showComments=true

[The Black Watch]

Committed to Michigan State

http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/high-school-sports/jefferson-star-payne-picks-michigan-state-374219.html?showComments=true

Just about to post this. Luck to Payne. Now, on to bigger and better. :thumbup:

[matt colvin]

^ Exactly. I can see people worrying about this one, but he was probably option four out of the four bigs we're in on.