Add another accolade to the storied career of former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball player Elfrid Payton.
He is now a member of the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Hall of Fame recognizes student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have made significant contributions to athletics, and to their professions and their communities.
They are nominated and selected through a process that is overseen by the board of directors of the Ragin' Cajuns Lettermen Club, an organization of former student-athletes who have lettered in their sport.
Payton, who played for Louisiana from 2011-2014, will be acknowledged during the Homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Cajun Field. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will face the Arkansas State Red Wolves at 11 a.m.
He is a currently a guard for the National Basketball Association’s New York Knicks. Payton was selected 10th in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
As a Ragin’ Cajun, Payton was named to the Lou Henson All-America Team, and was recognized as the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year.
He also led Louisiana to the NCAA Men’s Division 1 Basketball Tournament in 2014.
In summer 2013, Payton was starting point guard for Team USA. The amateur team won the gold medal at the International Basketball Federation world championships held in the Czech Republic.
His success continued as a pro. Payton placed fourth in 2014-205 NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
He also made history last year.
Payton became only the fifth NBA player to record a triple-double in five consecutive games. A basketball player is credited with a triple-double by achieving double digit totals during a game in three of five statistical categories – scoring, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.
The University's Hall of Fame recognizes men and women who distinguished themselves as student-athletes and have made significant contributions to their professions and their communities.
Learn more about the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame, Payton’s career as a Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns basketball team.
Photo caption: Former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball great and NBA star Elfrid Payton has earned a spot in the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame. Photo credit: University of Louisiana at Lafayette