2. One Family, 3 PGs
Cameron’s entire family is all about basketball. His older brother Tony Jr., also a point guard, enjoyed a strong career at DII Lane College near the family’s home in Memphis, Tennessee. Tony Jr. continues to serve as baby brother’s mentor. Cam’s father (Tony Sr.) was a point guard in his day too. He was a star in high school, but his 5’7 frame prevented him from making it to the college level. (I guess not every short guy with ballhandling and shooting skills can turn into Spud Webb or Muggsy Bogues.)
Cameron’s father also spent several years as a basketball coach, instructing his son on the court from age five onward. Tony Sr. even coached Cam on his AAU team and brought him off the bench. So much for playing favorites.
“Me being a father, coaching Cam, it’s tough on a kid when your father is an AAU coach because others always feel you are entitled. So I was tougher on him and it made him a better player.” – Tony Payne Sr.
Cam’s mom Leshawn isn’t a basketball player, but she’s probably one of the game’s biggest fans. While her younger son was playing in high school, Leshawn led the parents and school kids to a cheering award. For real.
“In high school, when they went to the state, I was the lead parent and we won the cheer section of the tournament. It was an actual award.” – Leshawn Payne
When Cameron arrived at Murray State, Leshawn brought that crazy fandom with her. She had her own reserved seat in the student section for every game. She made custom t-shirts for the games and passed out pom-poms to other fans at the stadium. Now that’s a proud parent.
Despite the big cheers at Murray State, Cam and his family weren’t expecting his name to vault up the NBA draft boards in the spring of 2015…
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