Harlem Globetrotters Release

Woody Payne, the quick, athletic and heady UDM floor general for the last four years has signed a professional contract to play for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.

Payne is the seventh Titan to play for the Globetrotters following Bacari Alexander, Larry Bleach, Mike Harmon, Gerald "Deep" Smith, Tony Tolbert and Jimmy "Happy" Twyman.

Payne ended his UDM career with 190 career takeaways, a number that ties him for the second most in school history, while his 76 steals in 2009-10 were also second in the Detroit record books, just four behind the all-time lead. For his defensive efforts, he was tabbed the Horizon League's Co-Defensive Player of the Year, the first Titan to ever receive that honor, while also being named to the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Defensive All-America Team.

His athletic ability was showcased throughout his career as he was one of the best on the ball defenders in the conference. He even made the national highlights with a block against Butler that was featured as No. 10 on ESPN's SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays of the Day on Jan. 10.

Payne is the fifth Titan to sign a professional contract since Ray McCallum was named head coach joining Thomas Kennedy, Jason Bennett, Michael Harrington and Chris Hayes.

The Globetrotters, now in their 85th year of existence, are currently in training camp in New York as they prepare for their 2011 season, which includes tours of Europe and Mexico. The Globetrotters will perform over 270 shows in North America from Dec. 26, 2010, through mid-April 2011, showcasing the wholesome family entertainment that has provided lifetime memories for generations of fans.

For more information, including schedule information, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.