Point Guard History Attractive for Evan Payne
by Garrett Tucker, Future150 (11:33 AM CT, Fri October 12, 2012)

Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- When Rhode Island landed Dan Hurley as their head coach from Wagner, the fan base was ecstatic, and they still are today. And it looks like high school kids are buying into the hire, too.

Evan Payne, a combo guard attending Kingdom Prep (GA) this season, has grown very fond of the Rams and their revitalized program. Among all the high-majors in pursuit of him at this point, the high-flying athlete says the Hurleys are sticking out right now.

“I really like Rhode Island. I like Coach [Dan] Hurley,” he began. “They have a proven point guard staff and the Hurley brothers are some of the best point guards to play.”

USC, San Diego State, Cleveland State, Akron, Nebraska, and St. Bonaventure are other schools showing high interest in Payne to this point.

The 6-foot-2 guard doesn’t have many factors into his recruitment. Like most players his age, playing time is a must.

“I just want to go where I can play, and I would also like a good, passionate fan base. I also like Rhode Island because they have a senior point guard,” he added.

While he is very talented in several aspects of his game, Payne has been working to continue to improve since his move from Huntington Prep.

“I’ve been working on my jumper a lot. I like to get up and down, so I like to finish at the basket. I know I need to work on my shot.”