DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Jefferson High School junior basketball star Adreian Payne isn't one to rush things, even in the face of mounting publicity and heightened pressure.

As Ohio's best uncommitted major college prospect, the 6-foot-10, 215-pound tower of power is in no hurry to make a decision about where he'll continue his basketball career.

Many schools want him, but he's handling the hype like a seasoned pro, and Broncos coach Art Winston is doing his best to shield his gentle giant from college recruiters who seek Payne's talent and potential.

Together, they're focused on tonight's game at Dayton Christian. As for Payne's future, it can wait.

Q How are you coping with all the attention from college recruiters?

A Managing my time is my biggest challenge. I go to school, do my homework, study and go to practice. When I get home, I'm tired. Coaches call me at night and I have to respect them because they're recruiting me to their school.

Q Which schools have made offers to you?

A A lot of people ask me that. There are so many, I don't try to keep up with all that because I have my school work to worry about. My coach pretty much keeps track of all the colleges. At some point, we'll come together, talk about it, and see which school is the best fit.

Q Where would you like to go to college?

A I don't know right now. I've taken unofficial visits to Xavier, West Virginia, Ohio State and UD. I can't take my (five) official visits until I'm a senior. I want to take my unofficial visits close to home and my official visits farther away.

Q What will be the deciding factors on your college choice?

A I want to go where I can play and feel comfortable, and where I have a good relationship with my coaches and teammates. I'm thinking about majoring in business. I want a school with a good academic program, and a school where I'll be able to reach the next level.

Q What does basketball mean to you?

A Basketball's done a lot for me. I really never thought I'd be this good and I really never looked at myself as being a leader like I am now. I come from a background where I don't have very much. Now with all this attention, most people say it can get to your head. I just take it day by day and go with the flow.

Q How would you describe your playing style?

A My coaches like to describe me as someone like (the Boston Celtics') Kevin Garnett, a guy who can go inside and outside. They say I've got a good work ethic and if I keep working like that, I could be like him.

Q What's something about you nobody knows?

A I've got to do a lot of stuff on my own — like washing my clothes, cooking and cleaning — because I live with my grandma (Mary Lewis) and she's preparing me for the future.

Q What is myth and what is reality?

A Some people think I don't practice or work hard. That's not true because I haven't missed a practice in my life. I stay after practice and work on my game. I take 20 minutes to work on my post moves and free throws. Then I work 10 minutes on my dribbling and combination moves.

Q What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A I can run the floor, score, rebound and block shots. I can also dribble the ball better than most guys my size. My weakness? I need to get physically stronger. I lift weights and eat. I just don't gain weight.

Q How do you relax away from the court?

A I listen to music, and talk and text on the phone. I also like going to the movies and bowling.

Q What's your ultimate goal?

A I would love for my grandma to see me graduate from college, and hopefully she'll get to see me play in the NBA. She took me in when my mom passed away. She means the world to me.

Adreian Payne at a glance

Team: Jefferson Broncos

Year: Junior

Position: Power forward

Ht/Wt: 6-10, 215

Birthday: Feb. 19, 1991

Full name: Adreian De'Angelo Payne

Nickname: "A.P."

Averages: 14.1 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocked shots per game

Payne's favorites

Gym: "Anywhere there's a big crowd."

Rival: "All the Dayton City League schools."

Subject: "Algebra II."

Team: "Orlando Magic."

NBA Player: "Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics) and Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)."

Restaurant: "Buffalo Wild Wings."

Meal: "Barbecue chicken wings, cheese potato wedges and a Sprite."

Music: "Rhythm and blues, and rap."

Hobby: "Listening to music."

Late-night snack: "A deluxe Cassano's Pizza and a Sprite."

Quote machine

"Adreian Payne oozes potential. He's 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." — Paul Biancardi, ESPN

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com