Pharrell Payne shines in NCAA tournament debut for Texas A&M

Pharrel Payne, a junior at Texas A&M, celebrated his first NCAA tournament game on Thursday. He played a key role in the Aggies’ 80-71 victory over Yale, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Before high school, Payne was not very interested in basketball. It was his friends who encouraged him to play, recognizing his height at six feet, nine inches. He expressed gratitude for their support, saying he learned about the game during his high school years. Payne's presence on the court was essential for Texas A&M. He helped lead the Aggies to a strong first half, providing much-needed offensive help for a team previously known for poor shooting. The team finished the game with a 51.7% shooting percentage, which is a significant improvement. Head coach Buzz Williams praised Payne for his impact on both offense and defense. He noted that Payne’s skills allow teammates to play with more freedom, knowing he is there to support them. Williams was the first coach to reach out to Payne when he entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Minnesota. As Texas A&M prepares for their next game, Payne's journey from an undecided high school athlete to a vital player in college basketball has been remarkable. Williams believes Payne’s determination to improve has made a big difference for the team.