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UD eliminated from Jefferson star?s plan, his coach says
By Doug Harris, Staff Writer
Friday, July 24, 2009


Contributed photo by E.L. Hubbard Jefferson's Adreian Payne moves in to shoot despite pressure from Dunbar's Steve White and Shawn Smith in the first half at Dunbar High School on Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.

Jefferson High School?s Adreian Payne, considered one of the top recruits in the nation, has decided he wants to play college basketball out of state and has eliminated Dayton from consideration, according to his coach.

Art Winston said he and Payne huddled last Saturday and the player pared his list to five schools: Kansas, Kentucky, Arizona, Michigan State and West Virginia.

Payne is playing in an AAU tournament in Orlando and didn?t return a message left on his cell phone.

?I think he likes the coaches and likes the players (at UD), but it?s just a matter of him wanting to get away and play,? Winston said.

The 6-foot-10 senior center, who averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds for Jefferson last season, is ranked as the 15th-best prospect nationally by Scout.com and the 20th-best by Rivals.com.

?You never know. He?s a teenager. It?s these five this week. In another week, it could be a (different) five,? Winston said. ?Right now, he?s in Orlando playing in an AAU tournament. When he comes back, it might be different.?

Asked if he supported Payne leaving Ohio to play, Winston said: ?It?s not my decision. I have no comment about what I think. It?s what he can handle. This young man is more mature than a lot of people give him credit for.?

UD eliminated from Jefferson star’s plan, his coach says