Florida targets four-star Payne, but it has plenty of competition
It usually takes post players a little bit of time to develop not only their games on the court but to also develop their body. Last summer, four-star power forward Omar Payne checked in at 6-foot-9 and 195 pounds. Nearly a year later, he’s put on 20 pounds of muscle, and it’s certainly helped his game.
As the high school playoffs approach in Florida, Payne says he’s averaging around 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks per game. He says the recruiting process is still heating up as schools come and go, but Wake Forest, Dayton, Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, USC and others are coming hardest right now.
RANKINGS: Rivals150 for class of 2019
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Florida: “Florida has a great program. You always hear about Florida living here since I was little. Mike White is a good coach and a nice dude.”
Florida State: “They have a good program too. I’ve talked to Coach (Leonard) Hamilton a few times. Their coaches tell me Florida State is the place to be.”
Georgia: “I see they put a really good ‘4’ man, Yante Maten, out there this year. They think they could develop me to be a good player like him.”
USC: “My coach has told me they have a really good program and I like what I’ve seen from them.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Payne will have plenty of options by the end of the upcoming travel season as talented, athletic post players are always at a premium. The Florida native said he plans to play out his final season with Team CP25 on the Adidas circuit before narrowing down his options and making a decision.
Florida has put in a lot of work early with Payne and had him on campus for games. Florida State can never be counted out in a battle for a top Florida prospect. As for out-of-state options, Payne said one school he definitely wants to see at some point is USC.