Carson Payne #30

Position: Shooting Guard |

Height/Weight: 6’/160

Summary:

Elite perimeter shooter and high-level decision-maker with a rare basketball perspective shaped by years of exposure to NBA training environments. Operates with professional-level detail and brings leadership qualities that elevate team culture.

Evaluation

Strengths & Skills

Shooting Excellence

  • Elite shooter with range extending well beyond the NBA 3-point line.

  • Quick, efficient release combined with advanced footwork mechanics makes him dangerous in all catch-and-shoot scenarios.

Separation Creation

  • Elite understanding of pace—uses speed changes and timing to shake defenders while navigating screening actions.

  • Exceptional ability to set up defenders, read coverage, and reposition to create space for high-quality shots.

  • Pro-level relocation instincts: When paint touches occur, Carson immediately moves to soft spots in the defense as soon as his defender relaxes, maximizing open looks.

Off-Ball Mastery

  • Thrives in complex offensive actions (stagger screens, flare actions, exit screens).

  • Sets elite screens for his size, understands screening angles, and uses decoy movement to create both his own looks and scoring opportunities for teammates.

Passing & Decision-Making

  • High-level awareness to make the extra pass when drawing attention; consistently finds shooters or cutters in rhythm.

  • Understands when to leverage gravity as a shooter versus when to move the defense through ball swings and re-spacing.

Defensive Ability

  • Strong team defender with high IQ and excellent communication skills.

  • Reads opponent actions off the scouting report and positions early to disrupt flow.

Basketball IQ & Unique Perspective

Carson’s basketball education is unmatched for a player his age. Having spent countless hours in NBA-level environments—including sessions with Steph Curry and other elite players—he brings a professional approach to preparation, practice habits, and in-game adjustments.

Understands championship-level details: floor spacing, timing, screening angles, and the mental discipline required to execute winning plays.

Serves as an on-court extension of the coaching staff, communicating options during live play and elevating team execution.

Intangibles & Leadership

Culture Setter: Carson’s unique insight into elite basketball habits and attention to detail makes him an immediate culture impact player at the college level.

Vocal leader who not only knows the “what” but also the “why” behind actions and systems, giving teammates confidence and clarity.

Extremely coachable, embraces preparation, and thrives under structured systems that value intelligence and execution.

Brandon Payne’s Comments on Intangibles

“Carson has an unparalleled understanding of the game for his age, gained through years of immersion in NBA-level training environments. He’s one of the most prepared players I’ve ever coached, with firsthand knowledge of what winning basketball looks like. Carson is an elite shooter, a high-IQ player, and a natural leader who elevates those around him. His ability to communicate championship habits and lead by example makes him an immediate culture setter. Coaches will value his maturity, professionalism, and impact on team success.”