From Diapers to Dunks:
Kevin Payton began his high school basketball career in Austria, where his father Charles played professional basketball, until Kevin transferred to Camden High School (New Jersey) to live with his aunt and compete athletically for his junior and senior seasons. His senior season, Payton led Camden to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Group 3 state boys’ basketball championship game. The season wasn’t easy however, as Payton missed seven games with a dislocated shoulder. He averaged 26 points on the season, highlighted by a 51-point performance against Camden County Tech in a 120-55 win in February, 2005. In the championship game, Payton was hampered by a stomach flu, and was limited to just eight points in a 76-58 loss. After basketball, Payton led his team to a state track championship in the spring. He won the 400-meter championship, placed second in the 200-meters, and was on the second-place 4×400 relay team.
The Barnyard Quiz
1) Why did you choose the Gophers?
It’s a great university, both academically and athletically
2) What’s your biggest thrill as a Gopher?
Playing at home in front of our great fans
3) How do you get ready before a game?
Shoot around, then just listen to music and relax
4) What’s a little known fact about you?
I’ve traveled to over a dozen countries
5) Who is your favorite former Gopher?
All — each left a great legacy for us to continue
6) The Gophers are down 1 with :05 left & Coach Smith is locked in the bathroom - what play do you run?
Any play that gets us the win
7) After winning the 2009 NCAA’s what song do you dance to at the welcome home celebration?
T.I. - Swagger Like Us
8)When your career as a Gopher is over, what would you like to be remembered for?
Someone who never quit and always put the team first