Melvin E. "Mel" Payton was an American professional basketball player born in Martinsville, Indiana. A 6'4 forward, Payton attended college at Tulane University. He played four years for the Tulane Green Wave, averaging 11.8 points per game. Payton was selected in the second round of 1951 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. He played one season with the Warriors before being traded to the Indianapolis Olympians in exchange for Don Lofgran. Payton played 111 games in his two year career, scoring 595 points, grabbing 396 rebounds, and playing 1,895 minutes. 

July 16th, 1926 in Martinsville  /  Died:   May 12th, 2001