High-upside 6-9 frontcourt project with a shot-blocking pedigree
EJ Paymon entered Southern Miss as a former Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year and four-star prospect who was known in high school for **rebounding, rim protection, and passing touch**—he averaged 23.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.5 blocks as a senior at Raymond. In his early 2025-26 Southern Miss minutes, he has shown flashes on defense with blocks and steals, but his current offensive role is still very limited, so he fits best as a developmental upside play rather than an immediate centerpiece.[7][1][2]
