Payton breaking ‘small college’ stereotype in passionate NBA run

Orlando Magic’s Elfrid Payton smiles as he takes part in the media sessions for Jr. NBA. (Contributed photo)

The most noticeable feature about Elfrid Payton is his hair. There’s no denying about that.

Payton has one of the NBA’s most interesting hairdos – a thick afro unlike the normal ones that proliferated during the disco-crazy years of the 1970s and early 1980s.

Yet there’s one more discerning feature about the Orlando Magic point guard – and that is proving that he rightly belongs in the NBA.

Payton studied college at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, not exactly a breeding ground for basketball players like Louisiana State University a school that produced Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and 2016 top overall pick Ben Simmons.

For Payton, coming from a small school is all about breaking barriers.

“There’s always the stereotypical mentality that if you’re coming from a small school, you can’t be good,” said Payton Thursday at Don Bosco Hall during the media availability session for Jr. NBA.

Payton is in the country to act as a coach for young basketball players in the Jr. NBA program that will run from May 12 to 14.

The former Ragin Cajun, though, is not alone in proving that small college players can excel in the NBA.

Payton pointed out Portland’s Damian Lillard, who graduated from Weber State, as someone who was able to break the stereotype about small college players.

Another player who was able to break down the barrier is reigning two-time MVP, and Davidson alum, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

“I think that much more today, guys can come in and break down the stereotypes,” said Payton who was drafted 10th overall in 2014.

Payton admitted, though, he experienced some struggle making a name for himself as he played in the NBA.

“It’s been great, it also has been rough,” said Payton. “Obviously, I’m a competitor so I want to win but I learned a lot through these years.”

Payton has yet to reach the playoffs in his career, but in his three years with the Magic he has become the franchise’s leader in triple doubles as he racked up eight in three seasons. /atm