On January 14th, former Murray State men’s basketball player Cameron Payne returned to his alma mater for the ultimate honor. The Phoenix Suns point guard had his jersey number 1 lifted to the rafters at the CFSB Center in Murray, Kentucky, where it now hangs among the greats, including Isaiah Canaan and Ja Morant.
Payne played for the Murray State Racers from 2013-2015, where he was known for his high energy approach to the game. Over the course of 69 games, the lefty point guard from Memphis drew Racer Nation into his orbit with his infectious smile and improving play. He finished his time at Murray State with 1,279 points and 394 assists. He was also named the Ohio Valley Conference and Kyle Macy Freshman of the Year in 2014, and the OVC and Lute Olsen Player of the Year in 2015.
During the halftime ceremony of the Racers’ 81-64 win over UIC, Payne thanked the Murray State community and his family for their support. “It’s like a family here. I couldn’t have done it without all of you and be the man I am today without being around all of you great people,” he said. He also thanked Coach Steve Prohm and his Phoenix Suns teammates and coaching staff who were in attendance.
Payne is the third Racer to play in the NBA Finals, which he did with the Suns in 2020. He was also inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame that same year. Payne is now the 12th men’s basketball player to have their jersey number retired by the school, joining other greats such as Bennie Purcell, Popeye Jones, Isaiah Canaan, and Ja Morant.
As Payne continues his professional career with the Phoenix Suns, his legacy will forever be cemented in Murray State history. His jersey number 1 will serve as a reminder of his outstanding contributions to the program, and his impact on the court will be remembered by Racer Nation for years to come.
