Former Citrus Player Hired as Harden's Agent

Former Citrus College Owl Troy Payne was hired as James Harden's agent last week. The Philadelphia 76ers star announced Payne will represent him as his first full-time agent since 2017.

Payne was a member of the Owl men's basketball team from 2007-2009, helping Citrus boast a 63-6 record over the two years and win back-to-back conference championships and a state title. He was named the Western State Conference Player of the Year in 2009 and holds multiple program records, including the most rebounds in a career with 584 boards over his two years with Citrus and the best rebounding average in a career after averaging 8.5 rebounds per game. Payne also holds the record for most steals in a single season (84) and most rebounds in a single season (324).  

After Citrus, Payne went on to finish his collegiate career at NCAA Division I Santa Clara University. He led the team in steals (52) as a junior and was named the WCC Defensive Player of the Year his senior season.

Payne was drafted to the NBA D-League (now G League) in 2011 and played for the National Basketball League's New Zealand team in 2013-14. After his playing career ended, Payne served as an Adidas executive from 2016-2022.