NBA Hall of Famer and Former SuperSonic Gary Payton to Coach Against CWU Wildcats

The Central Washington University men's basketball team's preseason exhibition game at Nicholson Pavilion will undoubtedly draw a crowd this Friday night.

Gary "The Glove" Payton, former point guard of the Seattle SuperSonics

Not just because it's the season opener or that students are back in person; it has more to do with the fact that the opponent's head coach is none other than former Seattle SuperSonics star and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton.

Payton, who ended his NBA career in 2007, is the new head coach of the Lincoln University program. Best known for his 13 years with the SuperSonics, Payton will take the court for his second game as LU's coach.

Loyal Wildcat fans will cheer on Central to what they hope will be the first of many wins this season. However, CWU students-the majority of whom are from the Puget Sound area-and other NBA and Payton fans will likely be on hand to give "The Glove" a warm welcome.

…after the game.

CWU and Lincoln University will tipoff at 7 p.m. October 29 in Nicholson Pavilion.

Media Contact: Dawn Alford, Department of Pubilc Affairs, 509-963-1484, dawn.alford@cwu.edu