Eric Paymon Jr., once the top prep basketball player in Mississippi, has announced he’s transferring to Southern Miss.
Better known as “EJ,” Paymon played his high school years at Raymond. He led the Rangers to three consecutive 4A state championships before graduating in 2024. His senior season featured a stat line of 23.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game – easily good enough to earn the distinction of Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year.
Paymon signed out of high school with a revived Mississippi State program that recently made its third straight thrip to the NCAA Tournament. With playing time as a freshman deemed low, he decided to take a redshirt.
Earlier this week, Paymon announced on social media that he would not be sticking around in Starkville and instead will be suiting up for Southern Miss this fall.
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The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to play a key role for the Golden Eagles with All-Sun Belt big man Denijay Harris out of eligibility. Southern Miss went 11-22 during the 2024-25 season.
