ULL's Payton could be latest mid-major point guard to flourish in NBA

"I never needed anything like that to make myself work even harder, but it did," added Payton. "Seeing guys like that coming from a mid-major lets you know it

Payton was the only D-I player to average 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals this year :: Greg Nelson/SI

Against Doug McDermott (left) and Creighton, Payton (2) poured in 24 points in Louisiana-Lafayette's 76-66 loss in the NCAA tournament :: Greg Nelson/SI

"I never needed anything like that to make myself work even harder, but it did," added Payton. "Seeing guys like that coming from a mid-major lets you know it can be done."