The Kent State men's basketball program announced the signing of Chris Payton to the 2022 class.  Payton, a junior college transfer from Indian Hills Community College, spent time at Pitt last season and will now join the Golden Flashes for the 2022-23 campaign.

The Bloomington, Illinois native joins Brenden Moss and Delrecco Gillespie as the newest members of the Flashes.

"We are really excited to have Chris [Payton] join the team," said Head Coach Rob Senderoff. "He's a great athlete and a versatile frontcourt player. We were familiar with him from JUCO and his coach Hank Plona. Chris [Payton] fits our mold, and I think he will have a big impact for us."

The Indian Hills to Kent State pipeline hopes to be fruitful yet again after the successes of Malique Jacobs, Kevin Zabo and Antonio Williams. Jacobs and Payton spent one season together at the JUCO prior to both joining the Flashes.

Payton started 35 games in his two-year stint at Indian Hills and averaged 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for his career. During his second season, Payton averaged a double-double with 12.5 points and 10.0 boards per game. The 6-foot-7 stand out blocked more than two shots per game during year two at Indian Hills.