Feb. 29, 2008
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Saturday, March 1, will mark the final game in the career of senior men's basketball player Luke Payne when USC Upstate takes on East Tennessee State in the regular season finale. It will be the 100th career start for Payne on Saturday making him just the third player in program history to accomplish that feat.
Payne, son of Spartans head coach Eddie Payne, has written himself into the Upstate record book during his four seasons in Spartanburg as he stands fourth all-time in points (1357), third in three-pointers made (185) and five free throws away from third in free throws made (326).
During his time at Upstate, Payne played on teams that brought home the 2005 Peach Belt Regular Season championship and the 2006 Peach Belt Tournament championship.
Recently, Payne sat down with Adam Walker of upstatespartans.com to talk about his career, plans after graduation and the future of USC Upstate basketball
US.com: How much different are you now than when you arrived at USC Upstate four years ago?
Luke Payne: The biggest difference I think is physically I developed a lot more and as a person and as a player on the court, I think I've gotten better in those aspects. It's just been a good experience in college and playing basketball here has allow me to develop myself and learn more things about myself.
US.com: Is there one game that stands out in your career when you look back on it?
LP: There are so many games that it's hard for me to pick just one specific game, but the game that is most vivid was when we won the Peach Belt tournament championship in 2006. I don't think the school had ever done that before and that was a good experience and a lot of fun to be apart of.
US.com: What was it like being on a Peach Belt regular season championship team in 2005 and a tournament championship team in 2006?
LP: It was great. We had great players on that team and a lot of good guys. We some good leaders such as Charleston Long, C.J. Paul and Jay Free. Jeremy Byrd and I played on the team my sophomore year and it was a lot of fun. When you win games, it's fun and it's always fun to win championships.
US.com: Jeremy Byrd and you have been playing together for four years. What are your thoughts on playing your last game together?
LP: It's tough to think about. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. I said the other day that it seemed like yesterday we were walking in here the summer before freshman year playing pick-up games with the other guys and now it's over. It makes you appreciate things. We've been through a lot together on the court and to finish it off like that means a lot.
US.com: How has playing for your father, Upstate head coach Eddie Payne, enhanced the relationship you have with each other?
LP: It's been a lot of fun. There are not many people that get the opportunity to do that. I get to see him a whole lot more than I used to because of that. Even when I was in high school, I would see him here everyday when he had practice. It's just a different aspect that has grown in our relationship than what it was before. Now he's coached me and that's been different, but it's been great.
US.com: How tough has this first season in Division I been for the team?
LP: It's been difficult. The competition is a lot better, but at the same time it's been a lot of fun and I've enjoyed it. We've been a lot of places. We obviously would've wanted to win more games and we should've won more games, but it's been a good learning experience not only for me and for Jeremy (Byrd) and the guys that are leaving, but the new guys that are coming back. They know what to expect now in Division I after playing the competition here for a year. They've got a lot of hard work ahead of them for next year.
US.com: Is there any one memory that stands out from this season?
LP: Again, it's hard for me point out one thing. To me, personally, I guess it would be that this is my last season at Upstate. I've played it like it was my last and I've had a better appreciation towards the end for what it means to play college basketball and to be an athlete.
US.com: Do you feel like the future of USC Upstate basketball is in good hands with those that will be returning for next season?
LP: I definitely think we have a good nucleus of guys coming back. Obviously, if you're at this level, you have to keep working and I think they'll do that. During the off-season, they worked hard and they've done the same during the season. If they continue to do that, they'll be fine down the road. I'm sure the coaches are looking to add more players and more pieces to the team and that will help to.
US.com: What are you plans after graduation?
LP: It's a tough question. I get asked that a lot and I'm not real sure, but my first option would be to continue playing basketball somewhere. As of right now, though, there are some options I don't about, but they could be viable down the road. I'm just going to see what happens and wait to see where I can go. If not, I might just be getting a job or go to graduate school.
US.com: Have you given any thought as to what will be going through your mind when you put that Upstate uniform on and step onto the court at the Hodge Center for the last time?
LP: Once I get on the court, I think it will be like just another game. I'm trying to win and that's just the competitive aspect about it. Maybe there will be a little bit of emotion before the game, but when we get on the floor, I'm treating like just another game. After the buzzer sounds, I might be more emotional about it.
