Pharrel Payne's best game as a Gopher

[Bob_Loblaw]

The game can be really humbling for freshmen. Best game to worst game in 48 hours. However, it's fun to see the growth of Henley and Ola-Joseph.

It was a bad game for Payne, but he did have one moment I really liked. Dainja got put into his place trying to bully Payne when he entered the game and it didn't go well for Dainja.

 

[GopherBlood777]

It was a bad game for Payne, but he did have one moment I really liked. Dainja got put into his place trying to bully Payne when he entered the game and it didn't go well for Dainja.

Payne also went flying to the floor on another possession when trying to guard Dainja down low. To be fair, Dainja probably has the quickest feet of any center in college basketball.

 

[GopherBlood777]

Just curious on this, every time Payne is listed in the game/box score, he is listed as a forward. What about his game makes him a forward? He seems to be as much of a Center as there ever has been considering you really can't play him anywhere but the 5. Is the position designation completely up to the player/coach to decide?

 

[GopherBlood777]

Payne has had back pain (Payne's Pain) for much of the year, plus nagging ankle sprains. That's why he has been at the high post much of the season.

He must have been healthy enough to bang last night coupled with a favorable matchup.

Is it a good idea to play someone who is hurt and can't play at their strongest position on the floor? If what you are saying is true, Ben completely sabotaged the offense on many possessions by having Payne be point forward at the top of the key for many games this season.