Suns PG Cam Payne’s jersey hoisted in rafters at Murray State
Jan 14, 2023, 8:02 PM | Updated: 8:13 pm
(Twitter screenshot/ Murray State MBB)
Saturday was Cameron Payne Day at Murray State, as the Phoenix Sun’s alma mater held a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of its game against UIC.
Payne was an AP All-American in 2014-15 for the Racers, and his No. 1 uniform was enshrined in the rafters at CFSB Center alongside former Suns guard Isaiah Canaan and Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant.
His Phoenix teammates and head coach, Monty Williams, attended to celebrate the honor.
PGU‼️🟡🔵@SiP03 @campayne @JaMorant pic.twitter.com/APM40fQp8D
— Murray State MBB (@RacersHoops) January 14, 2023
Payne played two seasons at Murray State from 2013-15 and racked up accolades such as Naismith Trophy semifinalist, Cousy Award Watch List, Ohio Valley Conference MVP and OVC Freshman of the Year.
He averaged 18.4 points and 5.7 assists per game in 67 contests.
The Racers won 16 straight games in 2014-15 and finished conference play undefeated with Payne leading the way.
🐐 Where I’m from! https://t.co/oQMaIoYihp
— Cameron Payne (@campayne) January 15, 2023
RacerNation!!! Can’t wait to see you Saturday at the Bank for @campayne Day!! Let’s get the Bank packed to help say “Thanks” to one of the best ever to wear the Navy and Gold!!
— Steve Prohm (@CoachProhm) January 12, 2023
Murray State posted the video reaction to Payne finding out his jersey would be retired ahead of the big day:
Here’s the moment that Cameron Payne learned his jersey was going to be retired at Murray State!#GoRacers 🏀🏇👏 pic.twitter.com/GcMcatHoT1
— Murray State MBB (@RacersHoops) December 19, 2022
Payne was taken with the No. 14 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, one selection after the Suns took Devin Booker.
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At the time, no Racer had been taken higher in the draft than Payne, although Morant was picked No. 2 overall in 2019.
Payne is in his eighth NBA season, fourth with Phoenix.
It has been quite the year for the Suns and celebrating achievements at school.
Booker’s Moss Point High School uniform was retired and Chris Paul received his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University in December.
