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Jefferson star Payne picks Michigan State

Jefferson’s Adreian Payne (33), who impressed scouts during the Flyin’ to the Hoop tournament in January 2008, has chosen to play his college basketball at Michigan State. Payne made the announcement Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

Contributed photo by Nick Falzerano Jefferson’s Adreian Payne (33), who impressed scouts during the Flyin’ to the Hoop tournament in January 2008, has chosen to play his college basketball at Michigan State. Payne made the announcement Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

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Jefferson’s Adreian Payne

ENLARGE PHOTO

Video: Jefferson star Payne picks Michigan St.

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Jefferson standout Adreian Payne dons a Spartans cap while announcing his decision to play for Michigan State on Thursday, Oct. 29, at his high school.

Staff photo by Chris Stewart Jefferson standout Adreian Payne dons a Spartans cap while announcing his decision to play for Michigan State on Thursday, Oct. 29, at his high school.

By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 2:37 AM Friday, October 30, 2009

When Adreian Payne first tried to call Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo to make his basketball commitment Wednesday night, Oct. 28, the Jefferson High School senior couldn’t reach him.

Then the 6-foot-10, 215-pounder, rated by Rivals.com as the fourth-best center in his class nationally, got the coach at a Thursday morning meeting.

“He said he was about to jump up and down,” Payne said.

Payne, ranked No. 20 overall in his class by Rivals, announced his highly anticipated decision to play at Michigan State during a broadcast on ESPNU that was taped earlier in the day at the studios of WHIO-TV. Talking to the voice in his ear, Payne pulled a white Michigan State hat out of the pocket of his sweatshirt and placed it on his head.

With that, other top contenders West Virginia, Arizona and Kentucky were dropped, and Payne started his path to East Lansing, Mich. He, like all recruits, can first sign a national letter of intent on Nov. 11. Payne informed the University of Dayton last summer he would not be a Flyer.

Payne is the first area basketball recruit to pick Michigan State since Andre Hutson, who went from Trotwood-Madison to an MSU career that spanned 1997-2001.

Payne’s natural athletic ability quickly lured recruiters. His long arms and coordination for his size were primary targets, even if his statistics weren’t quite as glamorous.

He averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks as a junior when Jefferson posted a 19-4 record as a Division IV team. However, he was at his best in a 69-66 loss to Marshall, when he put up 22 points and 14 rebounds. Marshall was the D-II state runner-up.

Payne was asked if he needed to make any changes to his game.

“Just a dominating mentality,” Payne said. “Gotta get every rebound and just have to be consistent.”

Looking more relaxed, Payne was asked how he was feeling following the taping.

“I’m sweating,” he said.

But now, in some ways, the pressure is off.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Top 2010 centers

Player	High School	Size	College Choice
1. Jared Sullinger	Columbus Northland	6-8, 260	Ohio State
2. Fabricio de Melo	Weston (Fla.) Sagemont	7-0, 270	Syracuse
3. Josh Smith	Covington (Wash.) Kentwood	6-10, 270	None
4. Adreian Payne	Jefferson	6-10, 215	Michigan State
5. Patric Young	Jacksonville (Fla.) Paxon School	6-8, 220	Florida