Busting Brackets
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College Basketball: Busting Brackets Midseason Awards

By Chris Godfrey

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Best JUCO Transfer

Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Payton II, Oregon State

There are players who came out of the JUCO ranks that are doing more statistically (that’s a shout out to Auburn’s Cinmeon Bowers), but no one has had the overall impact that the son of The Glove has had in Corvallis. Payton’s stats seem pedestrian. A mere 11.8 scoring average with 8.3 rebounds isn’t going to draw too much attention, but it’s more impressive when you realize that Payton is a 6’3 guard.

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    • On the court, his game is much different from his father’s, but he effects the game in a way that few other players can duplicate in college basketball.

    For starters, Payton is nearly omnipresent in the Beavers lineup. He has played at least 34 minutes in every game except one (a puzzling loss to Quinnipiac when he was held scoreless). This includes going the distance in the Beavers upset of Arizona.

    He has to stay on the floor because he does so many different things well. It’s not a coincidence that Payton was the first Beaver to notch a triple-double (10 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists against Grambling) since his dad did it during his time on campus. Unlike many other JUCO players, Payton II didn’t arrive on campus reliant on his athleticism; he contributes in all facets, averaging 2.9 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks each night.

    Most Importantly, Payton’s arrival has made a startling difference in the win column. The Beavers are 12-5 with legitimate postseason ambitions. It’s a place they couldn’t imagine being in without GP2.

    Next: Best Transfer

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