Derrick Payne Has Two Top Schools
Derrick Payne, a 6-6, 210 pound small forward from San Jacinto J.C. in Pasadena, Tex., has a pair of schools monitoring him this winter.
JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com caught up with San Jac Head Coach Scott Hortsman, and he said that Minnesota and UMass have shown the most interest in Payne.
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Horstman said that more schools might be involved if it weren't for Payne's uncertain academic status. While Payne is eligible to play for the Ravens, he won't graduate until the summer at the earliest.
Payne has yet pass the math section of the TASP test, which is a requirement for graduation from Texas junior colleges.
Even though his academics are up in the air, there is little questioning Payne's talent on the basketball court.
He averages 18 points and six rebounds per game for San Jac, which started the year at 16-1. He is shooting 50 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line.
"His shot has improved," Hortsman said. "He has a strong body and is a great athlete."
A product of Coolidge H.S. in Washington, D.C., Payne attended Maine Central Institute prior to enrolling at San Jac.
We'll keep you posted on his situation, so stay tuned.