One of the top overall prospects in Arizona's 2018 class is Aspire Prep Academy 6-foot-7, 200-pound junior post Meekness Payne. An athletic forward prospect with a high motor, Payne is one of the top prospects in the class with nice potential for the future.
After spending his freshman and sophomore years at Mountain Pointe High School, Payne moved on to Hillcrest Prep and then to Aspire Prep Academy last season. Now with Aspire Prep moving to their operations to Kentucky, Payne could look to change schools again. Either way, Payne is talented prospect that plays inspired basketball with an excellent motor - an excellent attribute for college programs.
Payne is a versatile prospect that is a winner, and does the intangibles for his team to be successful. He rebounds outside of his area, guards the best frontcourt player on the floor, gives up his body for his team to win and plays much bigger than his size suggests. I love this young man's attitude on and off the floor as well, and young players can learn a lot from him.
At this point in his young career, still only being 16 years of age, Payne is a stretch four-man, but has the potential to develop into a combo-forward over time. He has excellent work ethic and puts in the time to develop as a player.
Payne's best aspect of his game though is that he is an excellent defender that accepts challenges on the defensive end of the floor. He can guard each of the frontcourt positions on the court, and does not mind defending bigger post players either. As Payne mature physically and gets stronger, he should see a drastic improvement in his overall play.
I will continue to follow the recruitment and progress of Payne as a player, and continue to bring you updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Payne is a versatile forward prospect that is able to play much bigger than his size suggests. His athletic 6-7 frame allows him to play as stretch-4 man, and also defend all three frontcourt positions on the floor. He is a winner, and does the intangibles for his team to be successful. He rebounds outside of his area, as a result of his extreme activity on the floor. He has the potential to develop into a combo-forward over time. He is a good shooter from mid-range and can step out to three-point distance as needed. As he continues to add consistency from longer ranges, he will see his game progress nicely. Payne's best aspect of his game though is that he is an excellent defender that accepts challenges on the defensive end of the floor. He can guard each of the frontcourt positions on the court, and does not mind defending bigger post players either. As Payne mature physically and gets stronger, he should see a drastic improvement in his overall play.
