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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

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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

Source: Rivals.com

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Da hooper,
not a point of going to catholic school. is he worried about his academics? He did not want to set out at osu or ud for being ineligible. Msu was only school to offer help.

samson
2:10 PM, 10/30/2009

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Payne has much to gain going to MSU when it comes to playing time which every recruit wants. Michigan State loses three of its big inside guys. Izzo's teams bang the boards. Payne's style of play. Ky is all about guards and has four underclassmen coming back on the inside. W. Va. has four or five guys back next year at the 4-5 spot so his playing time would be slim. OSU scholarships have been filled for a long time. As for UD, not every kid wants to go to a Catholic college in his home town.

Da Hooper
1:46 PM, 10/30/2009

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Believe it or not but the sun does not rise and set in Columbus. Congrats to Adreian Payne! Michigan State is an outstanding college and has one of the best coaches in the country. Seems like you took your time and made the best choice for yourself. I hope you do great!

frenchie
1:42 PM, 10/30/2009

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Good luck at Michigan St. Adreian. I was dissapointed when you eliminated the Dayton Flyers. Next years class for the Flyers is rated #12 in the country by Rivals.com, but adding Payne to it would have put the Flyers in legitimate and serious discussion for Elite 8's and Finals 4's of the NCAA tournament.

Matt T
1:28 PM, 10/30/2009

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congrats, quality program and coach, hope the best for you. AP remember now...you can always can home, if it does not work out...hint, hint

sec 312
9:20 AM, 10/30/2009

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