June 22, 2011
Post-workout interview
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Mark Payne, one of the most talented men's basketball players in UC Davis history, has a dream to play in the NBA. His pursuit of that dream brought him home to the Sacramento region on Tuesday when he worked out with the Kings in advance of Thursday's NBA Draft.
Payne, who prepped at St. Mary's High School in Stockton, has worked out with several NBA teams recently including Cleveland, Boston, Phoenix and Sacramento.
Payne, who graduated in managerial economics during commencement ceremonies earlier this month, met with the local media following Tuesday's workout to talk about his goals of playing professionally. Sacramento Kings general manager Geoff Petrie also provide thoughts on Payne while new Aggie coach Jim Les was on hand for the tryout and also talked about Mark's contributions to UC Davis.
Payne was honored three times by the Big West Conference during his career, including earning Freshman of the Year honors in 2008, second-team accolades as a sophomore and honorable mention recognition this season. He averaged a team-high 15.5 ppg, dished 96 assists and shot 52.2 percent from the field.
He's not the only Aggie with NBA aspirations. Joe Harden, who averaged 14.9 ppg and a team-best 5.6 rpg, had a tryout with the Los Angeles Clippers this week and is also hopeful to hear his named called. Harden helped provide the Aggies with one of the most potent 1-2 punches in the Big West, earning All-Big West honorable mention accolades this season along with being named the "Best Hustle Player" for the second consecutive year.
Despite playing just three seasons with the Aggies, Harden's career included 1,326 points - ninth-best all-time at UC Davis. He also had six games this season with at least 20 points in 2010-11 while being ranked among the Big West leaders in scoring, rebounding, steals and free throw percentage. Harden was also honored by the Big West three times in his career including All-Big West second-team recognition as a sophomore and junior.
