Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, June 26, 2014
Former Michigan State standout Adreian Payne is now a member of the Atlanta Hawks. But, as Payne makes the transition from college to the NBA, there is one memory he vowed to hold on to during this process: Lacey Holsworth.
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Payne honored the late Holsworth by embedding her nickname, Adorable Lacey, into the suit coat he wore to Thursday night's NBA draft. The pink lining had significance, too, as it matched the color of the bracelet Payne wears to remember Holsworth.
Pointing to "Adorable Lacey." RT @freepsports It appears @Adreian_Payne is ready. What about you? #NBAdraft pic.twitter.com/69xjA0acQe
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) June 26, 2014
Holsworth, the 8-year-old MSU super fan who formed a genuine relationship with Payne two years ago, lost her battle with cancer this past April.
[ MORE: Read more about Lacey Holsworth's story ]
Lacey's mother, Heather, was one of Payne's guests at the draft. When Payne was asked what Lacey would do if she was at the draft, he responded, "She would definitely give me a big hug and tell me she loves me."
| About Sean Merriman | BTN.com web editor Sean Merriman covers football and men's basketball and provides original content for BTN.com. You can follow him on Twitter @BTNSean. |
