Online Now 1963

New-Look Payne Lifts Spartans

Adreian Payne

Payne is averaging 13 points over the Spartans' last six games

Adreian Payne is finally beginning to reach his true potential as a player, and Michigan State is reaping the benefits in more ways than one.

Dan Kilbridge

    • Dan:...I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD to your writings. I always crack up when Payne takes a 3 and makes it...It is so hilarious....Ever since AP and BD got in a fight AP has taken off. Byrd should pick a fight with a team mate..maybe the Nixer.

      spartacus19

    • Great timing here as Joe from Detroit (Get back to work, Rexrode) just asked ESPN NBA insider Chad Ford about Payne during his chat this afternoon. Here's the exchange:

      Joe (Detroit)
      Have you watched Adreian Payne play lately? The light has come on. Come the draft he will garner lottery consideration.

      Chad Ford
      (1:40 PM)

      Yes. The light is coming on and he's very, very intriguing. He's been on the NBA radar screen since his freshman year, but he's really struggled to be a consistent impact player. He's got the size, athletic ability and recently he's showing off a very pretty jumper. Could be a draft sleeper if this keeps up all year. He's currently ranked in the 50s on our Big Board, but he's rising.

      Dan Kilbridge

    • Payne has overcome quite a bit with breathing issues and shoulder problems. You would see flashes of his ability over the past couple season but nothing consistent. I love his goofiness and his confidence now. If Payne, BJ and Appling play aggressive an confident look out for MSU. And I've been saying someone needs to pick a fight w/ Byrd for awhile. If he starts hitting from the outside (games not practice) we will be ridiculously deep.

      EZMAC

    • spartacus19 said...

      Dan:...I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD to your writings. I always crack up when Payne takes a 3 and makes it...It is so hilarious....Ever since AP and BD got in a fight AP has taken off. Byrd should pick a fight with a team mate..maybe the Nixer.

      Thanks, Spartacus.

      Payne has always had the 3-point shot and I remember thinking he was a sure one-and-done watching him practice for the first time as a freshman. I think the key is that he's now doing everything else better - defensive assignments, conditioning, communication, etc. - that he's almost allowed to take some of those tougher shots that likely would have irked Izzo in the past.

      This post was edited by Dan Kilbridge on 1/30/2013 at 1:15 PM

      Dan Kilbridge

    • Dan, It seems like quite a few times that we talk about players communication and/or leadership on the court improving, it is also mentioned that they are talking to the media more (or just a better interviewer).

      Is this always the case? Do players start seeking out the media when they start to become more vocal with teammates? Or does the media just go to them more since they are now a good source of info (since they are communicating better)? Chicken or the egg, I guess...

      Double_Spartan

    • Double_Spartan said...

      Dan, It seems like quite a few times that we talk about players communication and/or leadership on the court improving, it is also mentioned that they are talking to the media more (or just a better interviewer).

      Is this always the case? Do players start seeking out the media when they start to become more vocal with teammates? Or does the media just go to them more since they are now a good source of info (since they are communicating better)? Chicken or the egg, I guess...

      In Payne's case the media just goes to him more becuase he's a big story these days and a much better quote. Not often a player seeks out media attention.

      Payne has probably made one of the biggest leaps in terms of interview ability of any player I've covered over the past several years and I think that comes from just being more comfortable with himself and with his abilities.

      Dan Kilbridge

    • HERE COME DA PAYNE! He is in Total Beast Mode at this point of the season. You gotta love to his skills finally naturate to the next level.

      ejaxs37

    • So what you're saying is that Payne is likely to go pro (and IF Dawson doesn't) there would be plenty of room in the 3/4 position for a guy like Jabari Parker... Confirming his BS excuse. Again, not mad he didn't come here, but disappointed that he put it on our players.

      Sparty2QP

Already have an account? Sign In

Add a comment
Want to be involved in the discussion? Start Free Trial
Michigan State
247Sports
Features
Resources
Connect

247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports