UC Davis men's basketball alum Mark Payne enjoyed two successful seasons in Spain, followed by another two in Greece during his inaugural years as a professional basketball player. But it was the 2014-15 season, his first in France's top league as a member of Champaign Châlons-Reims, that was his most exciting since Payne was selected to compete in the Ligue National de Basket's All-Star Game.

Before he and his wife returned home to Northern California for the summer, the LNB named Payne its top American player and bestowed another honor when the Stockton native was named one of the league's top five players.

After speaking to a crowd of nearly 300 youth basketball players during UC Davis men's basketball's annual youth camp, Payne shared numerous stories and experiences that took place throughout his career overseas.


You have played professionally in Spain, Greece and now France, is it hard for you and your wife to adjust when you move from one team to the next since each country has its own unique culture?

It is a little overwhelming at first. When I played in Spain, that transition was a little easier since I can speak a little Spanish. When we moved to Greece, everything was different from the alphabet to the language. It was difficult to read street signs and navigate. Even though Greece was the toughest place to adjust, the people were great; we enjoyed the food and were excited to stay another year.

 
Was there a point this past season where things started to click for you on the court with your new teammates?

This year, I had my first really good game in November, which set me up for the rest of the season. I scored 26 points that game and our team won. At that point, I was comfortable with [France's] style of basketball. My coach really trusted me and gave me a lot of responsibility, which is a great situation.


You were selected to participate in your league's All-Star Game in Paris last January, how enjoyable was that experience?

It was more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. My coach told me, before the game, that all of the U.S. players would feel as if they are playing in the States. French fans liked to wear Adidas and Nike, listen to hip-hop music and mirrored American culture for the day. It was cool for them to embrace our culture; even the Brooklyn Nets' cheerleaders flew out for the game.

This game was amazing and had a Super Bowl-like feel to it.


Is there camaraderie between you, other Americans on your team and throughout the league?

Due to our situation, the players, and their wives, become family. If anybody needs anything, teammates will call one another for help.


How important is it to have a strong support system when you face difficult situations both on and off the court?

My wife means everything to me. She's been great, especially since we are living out of suitcases and traveling from one country to another.

I think this situation is even more difficult for the players' wives since they are forced to make more of an effort to meet people. Through all of the ups and downs, my wife has been great throughout the entire experience.


Are the two of you able to travel on your own?

Some of my East Coast friends and teammates head home during the holiday break, that's when the two of us travel. We are going to visit London during the four-day break this year - it is just too hard for us to travel back to California, then turn around and fly back to France within a few days.

When we have a couple of days off during the season, we will hop on a train and head somewhere.


What are some differences between the American game, its fans and sports culture compared to Europe's?

It's different everywhere you go.

In Greece, it is a free-for-all; I've seen people throw stuff on the floor, like bottles and road flares. I've had a guy, who stood five feet away from me, throw batteries in my direction after a game.

In France, everything is classy from the way fans sit to the way they cheer.


Were you ever concerned for your personal safety?

When I played in Greece, there were times after losses where fans would rip up chairs, bleachers and throw them towards the floor. There were a couple of times where fans would throw firecrackers during the game. When that happened, we would head to the locker room while all of the fans were kicked out of the arena. Everyone would wait until the building was empty before play resumed.


Have you experienced any `only in Europe' moments before, during or after games?

In a rivalry game against Aries - I played for PAOK at that time, both teams are from the same town and have a long history - a man threw a handful of batteries at me during pregame warm-ups.

There were times when after a loss, the fans will block the bus and prevent you from leaving. I've never been directly involved in anything, but I have seen some crazy things that would never happen in the States without someone being arrested.


This past season, the Ligue Nationale de Basket named you as one of its top five players. What did that honor mean to you?

I was lucky to play in a tough league for a great coach who let me do my own thing. There were 30 former NBA players who competed in the league last year and I was named the No. 1 American. This is a great honor that was surreal at first. The fans are extremely appreciative of my unselfish play and respect the way I compete.


What is the local fan base like?

Each city has their own team and they grew up as true fans. Even though the arenas are smaller compared to the ones in the NBA - the capacity ranges from 8-10,000 - every game is sold out. Everybody comes up to us and says hello, especially since we stick out because of our height and limited language skills.


Is it true that the `Swiss Army Knife' is your nickname?

Yes, it is true since I am able to play every position and willing to do whatever the team needs me to. I can successfully defend both guards and post players; unlike other American players who need to score 30 each game, I think European fans appreciate the way I play.

The nickname popped up during my first year in Europe since it best describes the way I play.

Same thing with Mexican food or Chipotle, we really miss those things.


What is your ultimate goal as a professional athlete?

The main goal is to make it to the NBA and return to the States. It's harder and harder as I get older because there is always some 19-year-old kid who is more appealing. If I am unable to make the NBA, there is still room for my career to grow in Europe.