UD target Payne starts strong at LeBron Classic

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 12:47 AM Friday, July 10, 2009

DAYTON — UD recruiting target Adreian Payne has dropped 12 spots to No. 20 in the most recent Rivals.com top-100 list, but he’s helping himself with a strong showing at the LeBron James’ King City Classic this week in northeast Ohio.

Jerry Meyer, a recruiting analyst for Rivals, gave the 6-foot-10 center from Jefferson High School a glowing review on the Web site Thursday:

“Adreian Payne put together one of the best performances we have seen him have in his opening game of the event where he got the best of Rakeem Christmas (of Philadelphia). Payne did most everything you would want out of a big man from blocking shots, rebounding in traffic, scoring in the post and hitting open jumpers.

“If Payne demonstrates the potential to sustain this type of effort, he will slide up the rankings from his present No. 20 spot.”

Searcy going overseas

UD junior center Devin Searcy will be playing for a touring Athletes in Action team in New Zealand later this summer. Cleveland State’s Norris Cole, a former Dunbar standout, also will be on the squad.

Practices begin July 31 at the AIA headquarters in Xenia.

UD camp coming

The UD players are getting some hands-on coaching experience working at the team’s basketball camps this summer. One session last month drew a whopping 191 boys, the biggest turnout in five years.

“It’s a great way for our guys to interact with the kids in our community,” said Matt Farrell, UD’s director of basketball operations.

The Flyers have one final camp, July 27-30. It runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $220. For information, go to Daytonbasketballcamps.com or call Farrell at (937) 229-4448.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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