Texas A&M power forward has entered the NCAA transfer portal, as reported by On3. He has been given a do-not-contact designation.
The talented player who originally played for Minnesota after high school, spent last season with the Aggies under Buzz Williams, now the head coach at Maryland, which may have influenced his decision to transfer.
Given Payne’s do-not-contact status, it’s possible he could follow his former coach to Maryland. Last season, Payne contributed significantly with an average of 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and a shooting percentage of 64.6%.
A 2022 recruit from Cottage Grove (Minn.) Park Senior, Payne was a three-star prospect, ranked No. 7 in Minnesota, No. 34 among power forwards, and No. 193 overall in his class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
Pharrel Payne to follow Buzz Williams?
It’s logical to wonder if Payne will follow Williams from Texas A&M to Maryland. Williams takes over for Kevin Willard, who left for Villanova. The 52-year-old Williams is coming off an incredible run of success at Texas A&M. This season, the Aggies reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.
Texas A&M has now made the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons after last appearing in the Big Dance in 2018. It took Williams a little bit to get things going, but once he did the Aggies were a formidable team.
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