Utah Jazz: Payne honored to work out for Jazz

Not surprising for a young basketball fan from the Salt Lake Valley, Geoff Payne admits he grew up as a huge fan of the Utah Jazz.

Though he has professional basketball aspirations, the former standout from Westminster College, Southern Utah University, Snow College and Alta High is just as quick to concede he'll likely never play for or against his favorite NBA team.

Which is why a phone call Payne received Sunday night meant so much to him.

Looking for one more player to participate in Monday's pre-draft workout, the Jazz called on the local pro prospect and reigning NAIA player of the year to join five NBA hopefuls for a tryout.

Payne, who began his collegiate career as a walk-on at Utah, couldn't have been giddier to accept the last-second invitation. He was hardly bothered that it came the night before his impromptu audition and only a day after he ran the equivalent of a half-marathon in the mountains.

"I was a little stunned, to be honest with you," Payne said. "I never thought I would be here. I was completely humbled by the opportunity."

Though he excelled at two different levels in college — becoming the NAIA player of the year with Westminster last year after previously being honored as the Summit Conference newcomer of the year with SUU — Payne called his workout with the Jazz an "eye-opener." He was very impressed by Monday's group, headlined by potential first-round pick DeJuan Blair of Pittsburgh.

"They're definitely NBA-caliber, and it was an opportunity and an honor to be here with them," Payne said. "There's a reason why they're here. They're definitely better than I am, and I'm OK with that."

The 6-foot-7 Payne was realistic, if not self-deprecating, while light-heartedly joking about his skill set and size.

"Here (in the U.S.) I'm too small to be anything big, and I'm not good enough to be anything small," he said with a smile. "I'm pretty sure nothing will work out here. ... But I think just the hard work and attitude part will help carry me through this (overseas)."

Payne didn't work out for any other NBA teams, and he won't be holding his breath for his name to be called during Thursday's draft. Rather, he's looking to pursue a pro career overseas. His Boston-based agent expects he'll have offers to play elsewhere by the end of the month.

Monday's surprise addition to his calendar capped an eventful weekend for Payne. Along with Father's Day visits to his parents' house and the in-laws and teaching a lesson in church, he also ran 13.3 miles in three different legs as part of the Wasatch Back relay race that started Friday morning and ended late Saturday afternoon.