By JACOB POLACHECK
Omar Payne, the 6-foot-9 power forward from Osceola (FL) High School, told ZAGSBLOG on Wednesday that Florida, FSU, and Wake Forest are currently the three schools working the hardest for his recruitment. He broke down each school:
Florida: “It’s a nice school. I always hear about Florida from people at my school. I know it’s a good school. They’ve got a good coaching staff.”
Florida State: “That’s another one. Between those two [UF and FSU], I know they’re great competitors. They always have a great coaching staff. They have a couple guys coming out from Florida State.”
Wake Forest: “I know about Wake Forest because one of the kids from my AAU team, Chaundee Brown goes there. He said that it’s a pretty good school. They start it with the big man, so I think it’d be a pretty good place for me to look into.”
Payne also spoke about upcoming visits, as he intends to visit Texas sometime in December. “Sometime this month, I’m supposed to go to Texas, but I’m still confirming it with my coach,” he said.
“I noticed that the past couple big men that they’ve had have been really good,” said Payne on Texas. “Right now they have Mohamed Bamba and I feel like I play a similar game as him.
According to 247Sports, Payne is ranked as the No. 97 overall player in the Class of 2019 and the No. 8 player from the state of Florida. Payne, who currently has 15 offers, mentioned UConn as the most recent school to show interest.
“UConn just hit me up on Tuesday,” said Payne. “That’s a good school and they’re the latest to hit me up.”
Playing at Osceola High School, Payne has led his team to an early 5-0 record. On December 6, Payne had a breakout game, finishing with 19 points and 26 rebounds in a 66-47 victory over Celebration (FL) High School.
“Our goal as a team is to make it back the state championship again,” said Payne. “Hopefully, as an individual, I can get better than I was last year and show how versatile I can be as a power forward.”
In terms of a timetable for his commitment, Payne is taking his time, as he said, “Sometime next year. Definitely during my senior year. Likely around November or possibly before.”
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