BOISE, Idaho — Former Boise and Owyhee High School hoops standout Jack Payne is returning to the Gem State, announcing his commitment to play for the Idaho Vandals on Tuesday.
Payne spent the past two seasons at Colorado State after an impressive prep career in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in eight games and scored in the Rams' First Four matchup with Virginia in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
The 6-foot-6, 195-pound guard averaged 15.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 blocks per game as a junior with the Brave. Payne was named the 2021 SIC Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the all-conference first team.
Payne then transferred to Owyhee for his senior campaign, helping the Storm capture the 2022 5A state title in their debut season as a program. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.3 blocks per game as Owyhee finished with a 24-3 record.
The accolades poured in again, as Payne claimed SIC Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference honors for the second-straight season. He was also named the 2021-2022 5A All-Idaho Player of the Year.
Idaho went 11-21 overall and 5-13 in Big Sky play in its first season under head coach Alex Pribble. Payne joins Titus Yearout, the former Lapwai standout and 2021-2022 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year, on the Vandal roster.
"Jack Payne is a Vandal through and through," Pribble said. "His versatility and competitive toughness will be a huge addition to our team on the court, and his maturity and bright personality will be a huge addition to our campus community."
Earlier this month, Pribble and the Vandals reeled in Idaho State transfer and Lake City High School graduate Kolton Mitchell. The trio certainly left an impact on prep hoops in the Gem State, as Payne's junior season saw Boise reach the 5A state semifinals for the first time in 24 years.
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