Outside the Draft Box: Who is Elfrid Payton? (w/video)
By Mike Garcia
What is encouraging is his passing ability, his defense, and his rebounding.
Dec 7, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Chris Jones (3) dribbles against Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns guard Elfrid Payton (2) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Payton didn’t have the luxury draft worthy teammates on his roster. Yet, he was able to average 5.9 assists per game, and have several double-digit assist games throughout the season. It’s a strong indicator of playmaking ability with the point guard can break down his defender, attack the basket, draw in the help defense, and leave it up to his teammate to only finish. He set the table up for his teammates well. He excels in transition, but does a stellar job within a half-court set as well.
Defensively, he is a stand out. Team USA has Marcus Smart as the point guard doberman, but Elfrid Payton is number two on that list. While he doesn’t have the strength to defend multiple positions, he makes up for it with tremendous lateral quickness, great wingspan, quick hands, and defensive IQ. The way he heats up point guards handling the basketball is really something to watch. He can play a high pressure perimeter defense without putting the rest of the team in a help situation. Unlike most point guards, he is equally good off-the-ball. He averages 2.5 steals per-40 minutes of play, and has an unnatural ability to fight through screens despite his slight frame. He won Defensive Player of the Year for Sun Belt Conference.
One of the best attributes to Payton’s game is his ability to rebound. He rebounds like a forward. He averages 6.7 rebounds per game, well above the norm for either guard position. He has a nose for the ball. This allows him to tie in his best talents altogether. He grabs a defensive board. He gets running on the break. He uses his ball-handling to split defenses on their heels. He attacks the rim. He uses his length to finish at the basket.