June 29, 2005
ORLANDO - UCF men's basketball head coach Kirk Speraw announced on Wednesday that Lavell Payne has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Knights. A 6-8 post player from Tallahassee Community College, Payne will join UCF's program this fall.
As a sophomore, Payne averaged 12.1 points per game while starting all 29 contests for the Eagles. He shot 54.1 percent from the field and grabbed 8.6 rebounds an outing, while pacing TCC with 39 blocks.
"Lavell is a great addition to the UCF basketball family. We are extremely excited that he is joining our program," said Speraw. "He is a versatile player who will be a key factor as we move to Conference USA this upcoming year."
Following the 2004-05 campaign, Payne was an All-Panhandle Conference First Team selection. He participated in the inaugural Florida Community College Activities Association All-Star Game, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds.
A native of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Payne prepped at Dillard High School, where he was a member of the 2003 Class 6A State Championship team. As a senior, Payne was a McDonald's All-America nominee and an All-Broward County honorable mention.
Payne joins swingman Jermaine Taylor of Tavares, Fla., who inked an NLI with UCF earlier in April.
This past season, the Golden Knights posted a 24-9 mark and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season after claiming the Atlantic Sun Championship title. Next year, the team moves to Conference USA.