NBA superstar James Harden signs former Citrus Owl Troy Payne as agent

GLENDORA - 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.

(Sammi Wellman, Citrus College Athletics)