Zerrion Payton enters his first season as a graduate assistant for the Utah Valley men's basketball team.
“I’m excited to announce that we have added Zerrion as a graduate assistant to our basketball staff,” said Phillips. “I have known Zerrion a long time from coaching him in junior college to watching him grow in his coaching career. He brings the juice and has a tremendous energy and passion for this game. He will make us better this year.”
Payton, from Oakland, California, coached two McDonalds All-Americans during his time at AZ Compass and Prolific Prep High School. He also spent time as the head coach of the Adidas 3ssb Circuit.
Payton played two seasons (2015-17) at Westminster where he played in 50 games and made 50 starts, averaging 13.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. He led the Griffins to a 16-8 overall record and a 16-6 mark in league play.
Payton also played two seasons for coach Phillips (2013-15) at Salt Lake Community College , playing in 65 games. Payton earned all-conference accolades during his time at Westminster and SLCC.
Payton is the nephew of NBA Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton who played in the League from 1990-2007 for the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat.
