Cam Payne Shines Bright As Always - Jersey No. 1 Retired

When Cameron Payne played for the Murray State men's basketball team from 2013-15, he was known for his high energy approach to the game. For 69 games, the lefty point guard from Memphis drew Racer Nation into his orbit. His smile was infectious and his play got better and better from start to finish.

Now in his eighth season in the NBA and fourth with the Phoenix Suns, Payne was invited back to Murray (Jan. 14) for the ultimate honor. Having his jersey No. 1 lifted to the rafters at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky, where it hangs among the greats, including Isaiah Canaan (2009-13) and Ja Morant (2017-19).

"From me and family, we would like to thank you guys," Payne said during the halftime ceremony of the Racers' 81-64 win over UIC. "It's like a family here. I couldn't have done it without all of you and be the man I am today without being around all of you great people."

"Thanks to Coach (Steve) Prohm, I appreciate you and my family is thankful for you," Payne added as most of his Phoenix Suns teammates and coaching staff watched in person. "All of those guys up there (now 12 retired numbers at Murray State) they set the way for myself, Isaiah and Ja and on down the line. Thanks to my team for being here, I love you guys!"

Inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame in 2020, Payne became the third Racer to play in an NBA Finals in 2020 with the Suns.

Cameron Payne Notes

Played 69 games at Murray State from 2013-15.
Scored 1,279 points with 394 assists.
2014 OVC & Kyle Macy Freshman of the Year.
Joined Lamont Sleets (1979-80) as only MSU freshmen to score 500 points in a single season.
2015 OVC & Lute Olsen Player of the Year.
2015 Associated Press All-American.
2014-15 season, helped MSU record a 25-game win streak and fifth undefeated OVC championship (16-0).
Became first sophomore and just the fourth player from the OVC to leave school early for the NBA.
Selected June 25, 2015, by the Oklahoma City Thunder as 14th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Now into his eighth professional season (2022-23) Payne has been with the Phoenix Suns for four seasons. Has also played for the Thunder, Bulls, Raptors and Cavaliers.
Inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame in 2020.
Becomes the 12^th Racer men's basketball player to have their Jersey/number retired.
Murray State retired numbers in chronological order: (#21) Bennie Purcell 1952, (#16) Garrett Beshear 1953, (#19) Howie Crittenden 1956, (#15) Jeff Martin 1989, (#30) Paul King 1991, (#54) Popeye Jones 1992, (#26) Joe Fulks 2001, (#20) Johnny Reagan 2003, (#5) Marcus Brown 2010, (#3) Isaiah Canaan 2018, (#12) Ja Morant 2020.

Murray State University Athletics

Cam Payne Shines Bright As Always - Jersey No. 1 Retired

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