2022 Forward Pharrel Payne Commits to Minnesota Basketball

Minnesota picked up their second verbal commitment for 2022 on Sunday when Pharrel Payne announced he was committing to the school.

The 6’9” power forward is an in-state prospect from Cottage Grove and also held offers from a number of mid-major programs including Appalachian State, Loyola (Chicago) and Saint Louis. Payne is currently unranked on both 247Sports and Rivals service. Payne is the second commit for 2022, joining currently unranked guard Braeden Carrington, who committed at the beginning of the month.

Payne mid the decision to commit to the Gophers on his official visit today, which was also his 17th birthday.

“The Minnesota visit was perfect,” Payne said. “Coach Thorson is a great guy. His energy is insane. I watched them practice and the way he works with the players it’s insane. He is so intense and so energetic he is basically out there playing with them during practice he is so involved.”

As a junior Payne averaged about 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.