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MID-MAJOR
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR |
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April 3, 2008 |
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 BOSTON
(MA) -- The
2007-08 Big West Freshman of the Year, Mark Payne has
been selected as the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major
Freshman of the Year.
“It’s unbelievable recognition for Mark and caps off
what was an extraordinary season for him,” says UC
Davis head coach Gary Stewart. “When you start to
think of how many outstanding freshman seasons were
turned in by the various student athletes across the
country, it speaks volumes about what kind of player
Mark is. It’s a monumental achievement for him and our
program.”
Payne, who was earlier named to the CollegeInsider.com
Freshman All-America team, led all Big West freshmen
in virtually every category. He finished the year
averaging 9.3 points per game, which was third on the
team. He scored 10 or more points in 14 games while
dishing out three or more assists 19 times. In
addition, Payne posted three or more steals in nine
games.
The 6-foot-7 guard had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10
assists, all career-highs, in the Aggies' 83-77
victory over Sacramento State (March 1) to give him
just the third triple-double in UC Davis history. In
the Aggies' finale against UC Riverside, he tallied 15
points and did not commit a turnover in 38 minutes of
action.
Compared to the rest of the Big West in all games,
Payne finished the regular season first in steals per
game (1.84), fifth in assists (3.2), 13th in rebounds
(5.2), second in minutes, fifth in assist/turnover
ratio (1.18) and ninth in free throw percentage
(.808). Payne shot .927 (51-for-55) from the line over
the last 13 games of the season.
“He can score, rebound and take care of the
basketball,” says CollegeInsider.com’s Matt Drake.
“It’s rare that a freshman would play with so much
poise. He has a chance to be a really special player
in the years to come.”
The UC Davis guard became just the third freshman in
Big West history to be named freshman of the year in
his team's first year as a competing member. Payne led
the Aggies in rebounding, assists, steals and field
goal percentage.
Payne started all 31 games and ended up leading UC
Davis in minutes played with 33.4 per game. |
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