Low-minute guard with upside from a high-usage scorer’s background
In the 2024-25 season at Longwood, Payne has been a very small-usage rotation guard, averaging 2.0 minutes, 0.5 points, and 0.8 rebounds in 4 games, so he is not yet producing box-score volume at the college level.[1][4] What makes him interesting is the contrast with his high school profile: he posted elite all-around numbers in 2023-24, including 29.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, suggesting a player who has been able to create offense and handle multiple guard duties.[8] If you need an immediate impact guard, the current college production is still too limited, but as a developmental fit, his prior scoring, playmaking, and rebounding hint at a versatile backcourt piece worth monitoring.[1][8]
