Louisville Basketball: Omar Payne is a name you need to know

Louisville basketball got some good news yesterday when four star big man Omar Payne announced he would take an official visit in October.

If you’re a Louisville basketball fan that pays attention to recruit you probably know the name Aidan Igiehon. The 6’10, five star center seems to be the top prospect on Chris Mack’s board right now, and could potentially be the headliner of the 2019 class.

After cutting his list of schools to four, which included Louisville, the crystal ball has been trending in a way that does’t bode well for the Cards. Aside from UofL, Igiehon included his hometown school, St. John’s, Oregon, and our neighbors 60 miles to the east.

Here’s the interesting thing about the decision to include Kentucky for Igiehon.. He doesn’t seem to hold an offer from Kentucky, which has Louisville fans worried that the Montrezl Harrell clone could end up a Cat, when and if he does receive one.

I’m not saying the Cards are out of the race for the five star big man, not even close. But the race for Igiehon just got a lot more interesting and getting a visit will be crucial. Current 2019 Louisville commit, Josh Nickelberry, joined Louisville Sports Live on 93.9 The Ville last week and talked about his visit in September. We already knew that friend and four star wing, Jaelyn Withers, will accompany him for an official visit, but Nickelberry also told LVL that Aidan Igiehon would likely visit with him as well.

You never put your eggs in one recruits basket, which is why Louisville coaches have been on the trail for several other big men including Drew Timme, who will visit with the Cards on September 18th, along with Jason Jitoboh (visiting in September), Orlando Robinson (visiting in September) and one of my favorite targets, Omar Payne.

The way I see it, the Cards will be in the market for at least two big men for the 2019-20 roster, with Steven Enoch heading into his senior season, Malik Williams being a junior, and Akoy Agau finally running out of eligibility. Adding depth will be key, which is why the Cards are pursuing several talented, versatile big men.

Omar Payne, a 6’9″ 215 pound center from Kississmme, FL, seems to be another top target for Chris Mack. Payne told the Courier Journal in July that the Louisville coaches “really want” him, and the way they’ve followed him this summer through the AAU circuits show just that.

Mack extended an offer to Payne back in April, just a few weeks after being named the new head coach at Louisville. Payne was being pursued by the former Louisville staff, as well as by Mack when he was at Xavier, so a relationship and familiarity was already there. Mack has still been playing “catch up” as Florida and Florida State seem to be favorites to land the Florida native.

Payne went on to tell the CJ, “They like the way I play. Louisville’ a great school. They had a couple good players come out of there. I watched them play a couple times last year. That’s a good program.

The big man has risen up the recruiting rankings, showing himself to be an extremely strong player around the rim. Payne has the ability to change games with his rebounding and defense while also showing a nice touch within 15 feet.

Payne is a guy that will absolutely tear a rim down when given a chance, playing with a Montrezl Harrell like motor and knack for lobs and dunks. When I watch him play another former Cardinal comes to mind, that player is Terrence Jennings. His ability to provide an interior presence both offensively and defensively make him a great fit for Chris Mack’s pack line defense.

Whether or not Igiehon decides Louisville is the place he wants to be, Omar Payne is still a player that Cardinal fans should be watching. Payne will make his way to Louisville October 20th, alongside of another Louisville target, Tyrell “Turbo” Jones.

Payne is currently the 37th best player (7th best in Florida) and the 11th ranked center in the class of 2019 according to 247 Sports.