Adreian Payne, Former Michigan State And NBA Player, Dies In Shooting
Former Michigan State basketball star Adreian Payne died Monday morning after a shooting in Orlando, Florida. The 31-year-old was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s office.
Payne reportedly was shot at about 1:37 a.m. ET in the Econ Landing neighborhood, a housing development about 10 miles east of downtown Orlando. The suspected shooter, a 29-year-old man, had cooperated with authorities and was later arrested for first-degree murder.
Payne played 138 games for Michigan State from 2010 to 2014. The center averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a senior. Payne was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Payne played in 107 NBA games over the course of four seasons with the Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic. Payne’s best season came as a rookie when he averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Shortly after the news broke, "RIP Adreian Payne" became a top trending topic on Twitter. Basketball fans and athletes expressed their condolences on social media.
Cookie and I are heartbroken to hear that former Spartan Adreian Payne has passed away. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and Spartan Nation! Adreian will be sorely missed. ___
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 9, 2022
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— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) May 9, 2022
So sad to hear that former Michigan State star Adreian Payne passed away at the age of 31. AP was an outstanding player for Tom Izzo, and befriended Lacey Holsworth through her battle with cancer. RIP Adreian Payne. pic.twitter.com/YLXVGwINCV
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) May 9, 2022
Payne’s professional basketball career continued overseas in places such as Greece and Lithuania.

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