Despite multiple attempts early in his professional career, he was unable to extend his solid career into the NBA. Making the training camp squads of the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz got him close from 2000 to 2003. In 2008, Okulaja was diagnosed with a spinal tumor but managed to return to action and conclude his professional basketball career in 2010. Following his playing days, he called basketball games for German television and was also an agent.
Tag: Deaths
In all seriousness, Lanier is …
In all seriousness, Lanier is remembered as one of the greatest college players ever and a top NBA talent who averaged a double-double, appeared in eight All-Star games and was the No. 1 pick of the 1970 NBA draft. He had a bad knee, which likely cost him in terms of how he’s talked about as a player by those who remember him and those who are too young. He was an enforcer and occasional fighter who used to smoke cigarettes at halftime.
Daryl Morey: RIP Bob Lanier who I saw …
Daryl Morey: RIP Bob Lanier who I saw play in the first NBA game I ever attended in Milwaukee. He was the only one who could wear out @Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – dragging him up and down the court for 48 minutes.
Eddie Johnson: This man educated as a …
Eddie Johnson: This man educated as a young player and I never played on one of his teams. Not one time did he not give me advice when I encountered him. An amazing person. RIP mentor. pic.twitter.com/HV4vOfBtfk
Law Murray: When Bob Lanier retired in …
Law Murray: When Bob Lanier retired in 1984, he was 11th in NBA history in points, 16th in rebounds, and 51st in assists. Just short of 20K points, 10K rebounds. But was one of four players at time of retirement with 19K points, 9K rebounds, 3K assists (Elgin, Wilt, Kareem)
James Edwards III: A statement from …
James Edwards III: A statement from Pistons owner Tom Gores on the passing of Bob Lanier pic.twitter.com/yEllTrOS8t
Bob Lanier (1948-2022)
Adrian Wojnarowski: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier, one of the game’s great players and statesmen, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was 73 years old.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Adam Silver on the …
Adrian Wojnarowski: Adam Silver on the passing of Bob Lanier
The Volume: @Money23Green pays tribute …
The Volume: @Money23Green pays tribute to Adreian Payne.
.@Money23Green pays tribute to Adreian Payne
pic.twitter.com/88Yk6Z9Nz0
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) May 10, 2022
Draymond Green commits $100,000 to fund honoring Adreian Payne
As post-game emotions ran high after Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, Golden State Warriors forward and former Michigan State star Draymond Green told reporters that he and his wife plan to donate $100,000 to a foundation in honor of the …
As post-game emotions ran high after Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, Golden State Warriors forward and former Michigan State star Draymond Green told reporters that he and his wife plan to donate $100,000 to a foundation in honor of the former Spartan basketball player who died Monday. Adreian Payne was shot and killed early Monday morning in Orlando, Florida, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Payne, a 31-year-old native of Dayton, Ohio, played for the Spartans from 2010-14 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors his junior and senior seasons.
Source: Analis Bailey @ USA Today Sports
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Draymond Green vows to start fund in memory of Adreian Payne
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:50 AM
Draymond Green vows to start fund in memory of Adreian Payne
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:50 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Draymond Green plan to donation $100,000 to a foundation in honor of Adreian Payne sportando.basketball/en/draymond-gr… – 4:40 AM
Draymond Green plan to donation $100,000 to a foundation in honor of Adreian Payne sportando.basketball/en/draymond-gr… – 4:40 AM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Yesterday, Mike Brown was named the Kings’ new head coach. This morning, Draymond Green’s best friend was killed. Hours later, Steve Kerr tested positive for Covid.
ESPN story on the Warriors’ emotional 24 hours & their gritty win over the Grizzlies: espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:34 AM
Yesterday, Mike Brown was named the Kings’ new head coach. This morning, Draymond Green’s best friend was killed. Hours later, Steve Kerr tested positive for Covid.
ESPN story on the Warriors’ emotional 24 hours & their gritty win over the Grizzlies: espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:34 AM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Draymond Green says he and his wife, Hazel, are donating $100K to honor Adriene Payne with a fund and asks the Michigan State basketball family to do the same. Green says he doesn’t have the mental capacity to answer questions tonight. Payne was shot and killed Monday at age 31. – 1:48 AM
Draymond Green says he and his wife, Hazel, are donating $100K to honor Adriene Payne with a fund and asks the Michigan State basketball family to do the same. Green says he doesn’t have the mental capacity to answer questions tonight. Payne was shot and killed Monday at age 31. – 1:48 AM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Draymond Green says he and his wife, Hazel, will donate $100k toward a fund of undetermined purpose in honor of former Michigan St teammate Adreian Payne, who was shot and killed Sunday in Florida. – 1:48 AM
Draymond Green says he and his wife, Hazel, will donate $100k toward a fund of undetermined purpose in honor of former Michigan St teammate Adreian Payne, who was shot and killed Sunday in Florida. – 1:48 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Draymond Green didn’t take questions from reporters because he said his emotions are all over the place after his former Michigan State teammate Adreian Payne was shot and killed Monday. He said he will talk on his pod, so he can pause it and cry if he needs to. – 1:46 AM
Draymond Green didn’t take questions from reporters because he said his emotions are all over the place after his former Michigan State teammate Adreian Payne was shot and killed Monday. He said he will talk on his pod, so he can pause it and cry if he needs to. – 1:46 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Draymond Green announces he will donate $100,000 to a fund to honor Adreian Payne’s legacy, challenges fellow Michigan State Spartans to do the same – 1:46 AM
Draymond Green announces he will donate $100,000 to a fund to honor Adreian Payne’s legacy, challenges fellow Michigan State Spartans to do the same – 1:46 AM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Draymond Green announces that he will donate $100,000 to a fund named in Adreian Payne’s name. He calls on his fellow Spartans to help honor his legacy. – 1:46 AM
Draymond Green announces that he will donate $100,000 to a fund named in Adreian Payne’s name. He calls on his fellow Spartans to help honor his legacy. – 1:46 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Jaren Jackson Jr. looked at the stat sheet and shook his head. He said he was upset with himself missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. He also said on the Draymond contested 3 late, he just missed it and he I’ll take that shot again if given the opportunity. – 1:27 AM
Jaren Jackson Jr. looked at the stat sheet and shook his head. He said he was upset with himself missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. He also said on the Draymond contested 3 late, he just missed it and he I’ll take that shot again if given the opportunity. – 1:27 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Mike Brown on keeping the game close:
“Anytime you have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan pool on the floor and then a guy if he wasn’t hurt, he would have been Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green on the floor, you know good things can happen.” – 1:10 AM
Mike Brown on keeping the game close:
“Anytime you have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan pool on the floor and then a guy if he wasn’t hurt, he would have been Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green on the floor, you know good things can happen.” – 1:10 AM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Coach Jenkins said he is interested in seeing the last two minute report to see if there was contact on the Jaren Jackson Jr. three that was contested by Draymond Green. Said the shot was maybe rushed but thought there was contact. – 1:06 AM
Coach Jenkins said he is interested in seeing the last two minute report to see if there was contact on the Jaren Jackson Jr. three that was contested by Draymond Green. Said the shot was maybe rushed but thought there was contact. – 1:06 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins says he is curious to see what the Last Two Minute Report will say on the Draymond Green contest on Jaren Jackson Jr. late 3. Jenkins felt that the 3 might’ve been a little rushed but that there was contact. – 12:54 AM
Taylor Jenkins says he is curious to see what the Last Two Minute Report will say on the Draymond Green contest on Jaren Jackson Jr. late 3. Jenkins felt that the 3 might’ve been a little rushed but that there was contact. – 12:54 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Draymond Green with the tip block of a Jaren Jackson 3 for the night’s most important stop. Six Steph Curry free throws in the final minute sealed it. Thought Andrew Wiggins’ defense in the fourth was huge. An ugly win, but a win. Warriors head to Memphis up 3-1. – 12:35 AM
Draymond Green with the tip block of a Jaren Jackson 3 for the night’s most important stop. Six Steph Curry free throws in the final minute sealed it. Thought Andrew Wiggins’ defense in the fourth was huge. An ugly win, but a win. Warriors head to Memphis up 3-1. – 12:35 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Steph Curry and Draymond Green talking their sh– to each other, capturing the relief the Warriors did just enough to get a win after moving in mud for most of the game. – 12:34 AM
Steph Curry and Draymond Green talking their sh– to each other, capturing the relief the Warriors did just enough to get a win after moving in mud for most of the game. – 12:34 AM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Even if Draymond Green hadn’t blocked that attempt, that would have been an AWFUL shot. What was JJJ thinking?! – 12:33 AM
Even if Draymond Green hadn’t blocked that attempt, that would have been an AWFUL shot. What was JJJ thinking?! – 12:33 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Draymond Green this playoffs:
— Game clinching steal
— Game clinching block pic.twitter.com/0aPPpyxXHW – 12:33 AM
Draymond Green this playoffs:
— Game clinching steal
— Game clinching block pic.twitter.com/0aPPpyxXHW – 12:33 AM
Adam Lauridsen @GSWFastBreak
Things smart teams don’t do: go at Draymond Green for a game-winning basket. – 12:32 AM
Things smart teams don’t do: go at Draymond Green for a game-winning basket. – 12:32 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Draymond with his best defensive play of the night, blocking that Jackson three – 12:32 AM
Draymond with his best defensive play of the night, blocking that Jackson three – 12:32 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
They went for the Jackson iso against Draymond with 5 fouls, got a pretty decent look. – 12:27 AM
They went for the Jackson iso against Draymond with 5 fouls, got a pretty decent look. – 12:27 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
If Draymond finishes the game, I think Warriors win. If he fouls out, Memphis takes it. – 12:19 AM
If Draymond finishes the game, I think Warriors win. If he fouls out, Memphis takes it. – 12:19 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Call stands. 5 fouls on Draymond. 3:48 left. Not a well-played game but compelling – 12:18 AM
Call stands. 5 fouls on Draymond. 3:48 left. Not a well-played game but compelling – 12:18 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Huge swing challenge there goes against the Warriors. Draymond Green fifth foul stands. If overtuned, would’ve been Jaren Jackson’s fifth. Two Grizzlies free throws. – 12:18 AM
Huge swing challenge there goes against the Warriors. Draymond Green fifth foul stands. If overtuned, would’ve been Jaren Jackson’s fifth. Two Grizzlies free throws. – 12:18 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
5 on Draymond. All 5 in this half. The first was a Eurofoul. Brown challenging, I don’t THINK this will get overturned unless they get Jackson for an elbow. – 12:16 AM
5 on Draymond. All 5 in this half. The first was a Eurofoul. Brown challenging, I don’t THINK this will get overturned unless they get Jackson for an elbow. – 12:16 AM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Draymond slid his feet, beat JJJ to the spot. Textbook defense. That’s a charge. – 12:16 AM
Draymond slid his feet, beat JJJ to the spot. Textbook defense. That’s a charge. – 12:16 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Draymond switches Porter onto Adams to deal with Jackson’s drive. So Memphis goes at Porter, gets him switched onto Tyus and he blows by him for an easy floater. Porter has hit big shots but can’t defend in space. – 12:03 AM
Draymond switches Porter onto Adams to deal with Jackson’s drive. So Memphis goes at Porter, gets him switched onto Tyus and he blows by him for an easy floater. Porter has hit big shots but can’t defend in space. – 12:03 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Maybe Draymond Green should come back in and play the rest of the game? That would put him on a mere 34 minutes. – 11:58 PM
Maybe Draymond Green should come back in and play the rest of the game? That would put him on a mere 34 minutes. – 11:58 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Draymond has a few heated words with crew chief Marc Davis. And a few more for official Karl Lane. – 11:32 PM
Draymond has a few heated words with crew chief Marc Davis. And a few more for official Karl Lane. – 11:32 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Memphis with a nice adjustment on the “drive the front” from Wiggins when Draymond is in the post, Tyus stepped out in front of him off the front and took that away. – 11:00 PM
Memphis with a nice adjustment on the “drive the front” from Wiggins when Draymond is in the post, Tyus stepped out in front of him off the front and took that away. – 11:00 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Was it Draymond that said on a recent podcast that the Warriors could never have a long stretch going 0-fer on 3s? Was that @jj_redick‘s pod? I could be wrong. – 10:58 PM
Was it Draymond that said on a recent podcast that the Warriors could never have a long stretch going 0-fer on 3s? Was that @jj_redick‘s pod? I could be wrong. – 10:58 PM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Something tells me Draymond is going to make the first 3 of the game for the Warriors. – 10:57 PM
Something tells me Draymond is going to make the first 3 of the game for the Warriors. – 10:57 PM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Warriors are sticking with the same starting five:
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green – 9:35 PM
Warriors are sticking with the same starting five:
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green – 9:35 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steven Adams is returning to the Grizzlies starting lineup tonight. The Warriors are starting Jonathan Kuminga again in Game 4.
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green – 9:32 PM
Steven Adams is returning to the Grizzlies starting lineup tonight. The Warriors are starting Jonathan Kuminga again in Game 4.
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Jonathan Kuminga
Draymond Green – 9:32 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Jaren Jackson Jr. on Adreian Payne: “Never want to see something like that happen. Prayers to his family. Definitely shook us all up. Super tough. I’ve already talked to a lot of alumni. Tough man. Saw Dray this morning. It’s tough on all of us… Life man, it’s precious.” – 5:13 PM
Jaren Jackson Jr. on Adreian Payne: “Never want to see something like that happen. Prayers to his family. Definitely shook us all up. Super tough. I’ve already talked to a lot of alumni. Tough man. Saw Dray this morning. It’s tough on all of us… Life man, it’s precious.” – 5:13 PM
CJ Holmes @CjHolmes22
Warriors remember Adreian Payne, Draymond Green’s slain college teammate and friend
https://t.co/GFBHNjoxqc pic.twitter.com/zNtMdZFIpk – 5:11 PM
Warriors remember Adreian Payne, Draymond Green’s slain college teammate and friend
https://t.co/GFBHNjoxqc pic.twitter.com/zNtMdZFIpk – 5:11 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
The Role Player Podcast with @Deshaun Thomas
#EuroLeague, Draymond Green, and more
eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/… – 4:44 PM
The Role Player Podcast with @Deshaun Thomas
#EuroLeague, Draymond Green, and more
eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/… – 4:44 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Former Michigan State star Adreian Payne killed at age 31 nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/09/for… – 3:21 PM
Former Michigan State star Adreian Payne killed at age 31 nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/09/for… – 3:21 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
“Draymond is just crushed” – Steve Kerr
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 2:45 PM
“Draymond is just crushed” – Steve Kerr
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 2:45 PM
Chris Vivlamore @CVivlamoreAJC
Statement from Hawks on Adreian Payne: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Adreian Payne. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” – 2:22 PM
Statement from Hawks on Adreian Payne: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Adreian Payne. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” – 2:22 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
The death of Adreian Payne is at least the second in Draymond Green’s Michigan State circle lost to gun violence. He also knew former MSU football player Mylan Hicks, who six years ago was shot and killed in Canada. – 2:17 PM
The death of Adreian Payne is at least the second in Draymond Green’s Michigan State circle lost to gun violence. He also knew former MSU football player Mylan Hicks, who six years ago was shot and killed in Canada. – 2:17 PM
Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
Steve Kerr began today’s presser by offering condolences to Adreian Payne. “Draymond is just crushed,” Kerr said. “Devastating news today.” – 2:02 PM
Steve Kerr began today’s presser by offering condolences to Adreian Payne. “Draymond is just crushed,” Kerr said. “Devastating news today.” – 2:02 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Steve Kerr opens with condolences on the death of Adreian Payne. “Draymond is crushed. They were the best of friends. We’re thinking of them today. Feeling a lot of grief.” – 1:59 PM
Steve Kerr opens with condolences on the death of Adreian Payne. “Draymond is crushed. They were the best of friends. We’re thinking of them today. Feeling a lot of grief.” – 1:59 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Steve Kerr offered his condolences to Adreian Payne’s family before his today’s presser. He said Draymond Green is “crushed”. #GoldBlooded – 1:58 PM
Steve Kerr offered his condolences to Adreian Payne’s family before his today’s presser. He said Draymond Green is “crushed”. #GoldBlooded – 1:58 PM
Larry Lage @LarryLage
Adreian Payne, a former Michigan State basketball standout and NBA player, died in a shooting. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a shooting at 1:34 a.m. when the 31-year-old Payne was identified and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. – 1:34 PM
Adreian Payne, a former Michigan State basketball standout and NBA player, died in a shooting. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a shooting at 1:34 a.m. when the 31-year-old Payne was identified and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. – 1:34 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Adreian Payne, former Michigan State basketball star and first-round NBA draft pick, shot and killed at 31
cbssports.com/nba/news/adrei… – 12:53 PM
Adreian Payne, former Michigan State basketball star and first-round NBA draft pick, shot and killed at 31
cbssports.com/nba/news/adrei… – 12:53 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Crushing news about Adreian Payne. He developed into a helluva player at MSU by his senior year. But I’ll always remember AP’s relationship with Princess Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old who died of cancer. Their bond was incredible as seen in this video: youtu.be/NWVASucWyFw – 12:40 PM
Crushing news about Adreian Payne. He developed into a helluva player at MSU by his senior year. But I’ll always remember AP’s relationship with Princess Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old who died of cancer. Their bond was incredible as seen in this video: youtu.be/NWVASucWyFw – 12:40 PM
Diamond Leung @diamond83
Column: Michigan State’s Adreian Payne overcomes to achieve academic success mlive.com/spartans/2012/… – 12:28 PM
Column: Michigan State’s Adreian Payne overcomes to achieve academic success mlive.com/spartans/2012/… – 12:28 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
Former Michigan State standout Adreian Payne dies at age 31: bit.ly/3ykY0u5 – 12:14 PM
Former Michigan State standout Adreian Payne dies at age 31: bit.ly/3ykY0u5 – 12:14 PM
Chris Vivlamore @CVivlamoreAJC
Former Hawks draft pick Adreian Payne dies at age 31.
https://t.co/XLPWtuHrtX pic.twitter.com/vWo8y9VHI1 – 11:48 AM
Former Hawks draft pick Adreian Payne dies at age 31.
https://t.co/XLPWtuHrtX pic.twitter.com/vWo8y9VHI1 – 11:48 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Adreian Payne dies at 31 sportando.basketball/en/adreian-pay… – 11:12 AM
Adreian Payne dies at 31 sportando.basketball/en/adreian-pay… – 11:12 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Adreian Payne has died at the age of 31
eurohoops.net/en/backstage/1… – 10:30 AM
Adreian Payne has died at the age of 31
eurohoops.net/en/backstage/1… – 10:30 AM
More on this storyline
“I am going to go home and sit on my podcast and talk because I can pause that and cry if I need to cry. I don’t like to cry in front of people, Green said. “What I will say is, Hazel and I are going to donate $100,000 to a fund in Adreian’s name. I call on my Spartan family, coach Izzo, Magic (Johnson), Jaren Jackson, Miles Bridges, all of my Spartan family, let’s do something in honor of Adrien. Whether that’s naming something on the campus after him, if that is some scholarships for some kids to play, whatever that is, I call on my Spartan family to ban together and do something in Adrien’s name.” -via USA Today Sports / May 10, 2022
Mark Medina: Draymond Green is going to reflect on Adreian Payne and the Game 4 win on his podcast because of his heavy emotions. But Draymond announced he and his wife plan to donation $100,000 to a foundation in honor of Payne. pic.twitter.com/6hFgGTR4lc -via Twitter @MarkG_Medina / May 10, 2022
Connor Letourneau: Mike Brown on the death of Draymond Green’s close friend and college teammate, Adreian Payne: “Draymond getting hit with something that impactful. Not only was it tough for him, but we felt it as a group.” -via Twitter @Con_Chron / May 10, 2022