Former MSU Basketball Star Adreian Payne Dies At 31

Former Michigan State University basketball star Adriean Payne has died at the age of 31, multiple outlets reported Monday (May 9).

Further details about Payne's passing have not been released. Payne's former teammate, Jared Sullinger shared the news on Twitter.

"Hate the news i received this morning…. Rest Easy to my brother/Teammate @Adreian_Payne," Sullinger, a former Ohio State basketball player, tweeted.

Payne, a native of Dayton, Ohio native joined MSU's program in 2010. As a senior in 2013, Payne helped lead MSU to the NCAA's Elite Eight before being drafted into the Atlanta Hawks in 2014 as the No. 15 pick overall.

Payne spent time playing for multiple teams in the NBA and the NBA G-League before playing overseas. Most recently, Payne played for Juventus Utena in Lithuania during the 2021-2022 season.

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