"The Ultimate Glue Guy: Winning Plays Without the Hype"

Payce Bradberry

IG: @payce_bradberry1

6’3, 175lbs, Class of 2027

Maryville, TN

Payce is the kind of player every coach wants on the floor. He keeps things steady, plays with a nonstop motor, and makes winning plays that do not always show up on the stat sheet. High IQ, high energy, and always locked into his role. He can stretch the floor as a bigger guard with his shooting touch while staying active on the defensive end, rebounding, and is never afraid to do the dirty work. He plays for the name on the front, not the back. A true glue guy who holds things together and helps everyone else be better, all while making very few mistakes. Plays the game the right way every time, like watching a master painter create with his brush.

This season has been about earning trust. Payce went from not dressing every game as a sophomore to starting as a junior on a team that brought almost everyone back. The numbers are not the story, but the consistency is. He shows up, knows his role, and delivers it every night. His biggest improvement has been proving he belongs in the lineup and handling the moment with confidence. With key guards graduating, his focus is on continuing to work with the ball in his hands, bringing it up the floor, tightening his handles, and staying committed in the weight room.

The moment that meant the most came when he finally got his first start. All the early mornings before school, all the extra work, and all the patience paid off in that opportunity. Games against Alcoa and Bearden are ones he circles, and no matter the opponent, he brings the same approach. Energy matters to him, especially when teammates like Luke Sigmund or Eli Owensby throw down a dunk, but his own fuel comes from consistency and trusting his work.

This team is tight, and that matters. Payce values how much this group enjoys being around each other on and off the floor, always together and always connected. Next season will be even more special with his younger brother joining the program. Outside of basketball, he also plays baseball and spends most of his time with friends who are usually the same teammates he battles with every night.

Recruiting is still wide open. Payce does not have offers yet and remains open to both college basketball and baseball. What is clear is his willingness to work, stay patient, and take advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way.

I assess that Payce brings trust, effort, and reliability to a program. He fits lineups that value unselfish play, spacing, defense, and players who understand how to impact winning without needing the ball.

Moving forward, expect steady growth, expanded responsibility, and the same team-first approach. Payce is the type who keeps earning minutes through effort, consistency, and doing exactly what the team needs.