A highly productive player out of Lexington Catholic High School, Zan Payne will join UK as a walk-on for the 2018-19 season after scoring more than 1,000 points in his high school career. He announced his verbal commitment at the beginning of May and had a ceremonial signing at his high school on Thursday.
Kentucky's current 2018 recruiting haul is now up to five players with the addition of Payne. Top-rated prospects Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, EJ Montgomery and Immanuel Quickley have signed national letters of intent with the university.
"I am very excited to a part of the Big Blue Nation," Payne said. "Over the last eight years, I've seen the best of the best players and teams in college basketball come through Lexington, and to be a part of the tradition is a dream come true. For Coach Cal to allow me this extraordinary opportunity, words can't express my gratitude and appreciation."
Payne averaged 19.3 points per game and 8.7 rebounds in his senior season at Lexington Catholic. He was a three-year starter and scored 1,282 points, 14th in school history. He also collected 934 career rebounds to finish as Lexington Catholic's fourth all-time rebounder.
A knee injury in February prematurely ended Payne's high school career. His status as he recovers from surgery to his right knee is undetermined at this time.
