Recruiting Report: Chris Payton (2019)
Bloomington 2019 power forward Chris Payton stands at 6’6” with a strong body. He is a powerful athlete on the interior that plays with a motor and aggression. Very physical player around the hoop. Gets on the glass on both ends of the floor. This is an area that despite being slightly undersized he has proven he can rebound at a high enough rate to play the four at the next level. Payton gets tip slams at the rim. Skill set isn’t all the way there yet, but you can’t deny the raw athleticism and strength he brings to the table. Mid-major prospect at this stage.
Payton helped lead his team to the 3A Final Four in Bloomington this past year.
“I think our season went pretty good. We didn’t end where we wanted too, but I feel what we did for ourselves and our town we developed a name and a brand for Bloomington. I think that was the biggest part of our season that we can build off of next year.”
How does he think his sophomore year went from an individual standpoint?
“I think I played pretty good. There were a couple games I could have done more especially against Fenwick. I felt there was a few things I could have done. I know I played pretty good, but there was a couple things more I felt I could have done in that last game. Overall I felt I played consistent throughout the year.”
The forward chatted with us about the improvements in his game.
“Being consistent especially on the boards. I know how to step up into a bigger role. I played more aggressively and scored the ball at a more consistent rate.”
This spring he is running with Brad Beal Elite 16U where he is part of a D1 front line.
“I finally have some big guys to play next too in EJ (Liddell) and Josh (Wallace). There are a lot of positives on this team. We have a lot of good guards too that can find me the ball. We play a fun style of basketball. Rebound and push the tempo.”
Where do things stand with recruiting early in the process?
“I have an offer from Illinois State right now. That is pretty much it right now. Hopefully it picks up during the summer.”
Illinois State has made an impression on him early in the process.
“It is in my town. I really like the college. I was pretty happy to see what they accomplished this year. They didn’t get the bid into the tournament like they were supposed to, but I think they had a really good season. Great coach in Dan Muller and a lot of good players.”