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In a bit of unexpected move the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns star point guard Elfrid Payton will enter the NBA Draft according to multiple reports. Payton's stock soared last summer after he made his way on the United States U19 team for the FIBA Chamionship and performed very well for his nation.
His stock continued to grow, along with running-mate Shawn Long, this past season after averaging 19.2 points, 5.9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He lead Louisiana to the Sun Belt championship this past year and had 24 points and 8 rebounds in a near upset of Creighton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Most draft prognosticators have Payton as a mid to late round first pick in the NBA Draft. He's currently the fifth ranked point guard on ESPN's Chad Ford's Top 100 list behind Dante Exum (Australia), Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State), Tyler Ennis (Syracuse), and Zach LaVine (UCLA).