As a junior, Payton won the Lefty Driesell Award, an honor given annually to the nation's best defensive player. He also earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors for the second straight season and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Payton guided the Ragin Cajuns to their first NCAA tournament berth since 2005, while scoring in double figures in 32 of 35 games played. During his sophomore campaign, Payton was the only player in the country to average 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals.
On Wednesday, June 4, Payton was one of 12 prospects to go through a pre-draft workout in front of Lakers brass at the team's practice facility. PHOTO GALLERY
Below is a transcription of his comments to assembled media members:
Q: On how he would sum up or describe his game:
Payton: I like to get out there defensively and get up and down. I like to live in the paint and make plays for my teammates or myself, whether it’s dropping it down to the big man or kicking it out to the open shooter, or having to finish a the rim myself.
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Payton tested seventh among point guards in lane agility time (11.06 seconds), sixth in shuttle run (2.92 seconds), fourth in three quarter sprint (3.23 seconds) and fifth in standing vertical jump (31.5 inches).
Other NBA Draft Combine Measurements
Max Vertical Leap: 35.5 inches
Hand Length: 8.75 inches
Hand Width: 9 inches
Standing Reach: 8 feet, 2.5 inches
Wingspan: 6 feet, 8 inches
From ESPN's Chad Ford (Insider):