Chris Payton signs with SIU
11/21/2018 | 9:51:00 | Men's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill.- The Southern Illinois men's basketball program announced the signing of the National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. Payton, a 6-7 forward, will be a freshman at SIU in 2019-20.Â
"Needless to say, we're excited about adding another quality young man to our program," SIU head coach Barry Hinson said. "Coach Beane did an outstanding job. He's been a part of the Bloomington community as a coach and resident, and his relationships really helped us in this situation. We thought all along that Chris is a player that can make immediate contributions, and we're excited about him and his family joining the Saluki family."
A three-start recruit by 247Sports, Payton is rated as one of the top players in the state of Illinois. He was an All-State selection as a junior last year after averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game. He announced his decision after posting 19 points, eight rebounds and three block's in Bloomington High School's win earlier tonight. Assistant coach Anthony Beane Sr. was the lead recruiter for SIU.
"Chris will bring tremendous athleticism to our front line," Beane, Sr., said. "He has the ability to step out and shoot the ball like Armon Fletcher, and he has that athletic explosion like Thik Bol. He's a great kid and will be a great teammate."
Payton chose SIU over Illinois, Middle Tennessee and Valparaiso. He is the third member of the SIU signing class, joining Evan Taylor and Lance Jones. All three are ranked in the top-20 prospects in the state of Illinois.Â
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Bloomington 2019 PF Chris Payton @chris_payton_ has committed to Southern Illinois! #SIU #Salukis land #5 overall recruit in senior class! MVC program signs 3 of top 20 in-state seniors. @nikemeanstreets @BHSRaiders_BB @deuceandabuse
— Scott Burgess (@scottybscout) November 22, 2018
SIU here I come ?? pic.twitter.com/NBsiFSRzuq
— Chris Payton (@chris_payton_) November 22, 2018
Great day for the #Salukis!
— Saluki Basketball (@SIU_Basketball) November 22, 2018
One of the top players in the state is coming to Carbondale. Welcome to the family, Chris Payton! pic.twitter.com/KPG90uyj6e
Bloomington basketball star Chris Payton announces on 25 Sports he's heading to Southern Illinois. Congratulations, Chris! pic.twitter.com/9zF1yyLSYG
— Jim Mattson (@hoijim) November 22, 2018
Players Mentioned
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