After receiving significant attention in the transfer portal, former Gophers big man Pharrel Payne has found a new home. On Tuesday, he committed to Texas A&M. The 6-9, 255-pound sophomore entered the portal a month ago after initially expressing excitement about returning to the Gophers with a talented core. He was the first of six players to request a transfer since the end of the regular season. However, it appears that Payne and point guard Elijah Hawkins were seeking more lucrative NIL opportunities. After initially indicating he would stay with the Gophers, Hawkins entered the transfer portal on Monday. Payne’s departure marks the third transfer from the Gophers this spring, following Joshua Ola-Joseph (California) and Isaiah Ihnen (Liberty). During his time with the Gophers, Payne led the team in blocks for two consecutive seasons and improved his scoring, rebounding, and minutes per game from his freshman year. While the Gophers lose Payne in the frontcourt, they anticipate the return of leading scorer and rebounder Dawson Garcia, senior Parker Fox, and redshirt freshman Kadyn Betts. Additionally, they have signed Canisius big man Frank Mitchell, who is expected to replace Payne inside. Mitchell ranked fourth in the nation in rebounding.
Former Gopher Pharrel Payne Commits to Texas A&M
