(MSU Billings release)
BILLINGS – Montana State University Billings men’s basketball head coach Mick Durham announced the signing of freshman guard Payden Lynn for the 2019-20 season on Wednesday. The three forks, Montana native inked a letter of intent and became the sixth off-season acquisition for the MSUB men’s basketball program, which earned entry into the Great Northwest Athletic Conference tournament last season.
Lynn (6-2, freshman) is a capable point guard/shooting guard and played high school basketball at Three Forks High School where he was known as a solid distributor and relentless defender. Lynn averaged 14.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, along with 2.1 steals, 6.1 assists, and 0.85 blocks.
“We are excited to add Payden Lynn to our program,” commented head coach Mick Durham. ”Payden is a very good athlete that plays aggressively on both ends of the court. He’s very determined to be successful both on and off the court. We’re excited to see his development at the guard position.”
Lynn shot an impressive 57-percent from the floor as a senior and 48-percent from 3-point range. He helped his team to a pair of state tournament appearances and a divisional championship. Lynn was named both all-state and all-conference.
“Payden has been our team captain and leader for the last three years which is how long I’ve been the head coach at Three Forks,” said Three Forks High School head coach Terry Hauser. ”He will be truly missed here and there are some definite shoes to fill as he leaves our program. His dedication to the team’s success and hard work ethic I believe will rub off on all the younger kids on our team. He is an outstanding athlete who plays above the rim and defends the ball tenaciously. I can’t wait to see what he can do at MSUB.”
Lynn has three siblings and has indicated he intends to major in business management at MSU Billings.
The Yellowjackets finished 15-14 last season (10-10 GNAC) and fell in the conference quarterfinals to No. 4 seed Western Oregon 79-72. The team will need to supplement its roster with the graduation of two key seniors. Tyler Green, Zharon Richmond, and freshman of the year Brendan Howard are all expected to return.
