The Champaign Room · Oct 28, 2021
Illinois Basketball Player Preview: Omar Payne
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Past
Omar Payne, a Kississimee, Florida, native, isn't at all unfamiliar playing for good programs loaded with talent. Before his college career Payne played for Monteverde Academy with future first-round draft picks Cade Cunningham and Precious Achiwua.
He also is not unfamiliar with Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn; the two battled against each other in high school where Payne’s school got the better of Kofi and Oak Hill. The two Illini were ranked the No. 11 and No. 12 center prospects in 2019, Payne actually being the highe ranked of the two at the time. Now as we approach the start of the 2021-22 season, the duo is ready to be a frontcourt to be reckoned with.