Recruiting Report: Chris Payton (2017)
Bloomington sophomore Chris Payton is a 6’6” combo forward that plays mostly on the interior. His biggest presence is felt on the defensive end of the floor where he blocks shots. Explosive leaper that protects the rim. Rebounds well using…
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Continue ReadingBloomington sophomore Chris Payton is a 6’6” combo forward that plays mostly on the interior. His biggest presence is felt on the defensive end of the floor where he blocks shots. Explosive leaper that protects the rim. Rebounds well using his elite athleticism to high point balls above his opponents. Offensively he still isn’t overly skilled. Hits an occasional mid-range jumper, but most of his damage is done on tip dunks and a variety of other slams. D1 prospect in 2019 class.
Payton talked about the progression in his game.
“It is pretty good. I feel like I am expanding my game. Seeing I can be versatile than I was before and attacking the glass. I have to have that rebounding mindset and be efficient on both ends.”
What areas has he seen the most growth?
“From 15 feet and in. Post work and in the high/low. My court vision and making better decisions with the ball.”
Defense is a big part of his game.
“Contesting shots. Blocking shots or altering them to the point where they miss and going up and getting the board. Looking up the floor and running the floor.”
He ran with the Mac Irvin Fire 15U this past summer.
“It was good. I saw a lot of different competition you usually don’t see in central Illinois. It was a great experience.”
Illinois State recently offered him. He has also heard from several other programs.
“Illinois, Stanford, and Wisconsin.”
Payton broke down his visit to Champaign to see the Illini.
“It was great. I loved everything about it. I personally don’t know too much about the coaches, but the way they handled everything is what I am about.”