Cully Payne says it was a tough, but necessary, decision to leave Iowa

IOWA CITY - Cully Payne said leaving the Iowa men's basketball program was one of the toughest decisions since picking Iowa two years ago.

But, he said, it was also necessary to leave.

"There was a coaching change. I understand things change, and that some people fit in better with the system than others," Payne said. "I felt like for my future, this wasn't the place for me."

Payne, who started his first 37 games at Iowa, asked for and received his scholarship release from Iowa officials on Monday. Payne, a Schaumburg, Ill., native, is looking primarily at schools in the Chicago area and should know his next destination within the next three weeks. Iowa's scholarship restrictions included Big Ten or in-state schools.

"We appreciate Cully's hard work and contributions to the Iowa basketball program the last two years," Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said in a statement. "We are thankful for Cully that he has been able to make a full recovery from his injury and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

After averaging 8.7 points and a Big Ten-freshman high 3.8 assists in 2009-10, Payne struggled to overcome injuries this past season. After five games Payne elected for season-ending surgery to repair a sports hernia and a torn oblique muscle. He received a medical red-shirt for this season, and he plans to petition the NCAA with hopes of gaining immediate eligibility this year.

Payne was unable to practice or scrimmage with the team until two weeks ago.

"It was a real tough year," Payne said. "Physically I was hurt, and I tried to play through it those five games and then sitting out for so long which was extremely hard. It had nothing to do with Coach Fran or the assistants. I wish those guys the best of luck along with my teammates. I room with two of them which are my best friends Eric (May) and (Devon) Archie. I told those guys a couple of days ago what I was going to do. I told them I feel bad for doing it. I just wish everyone the best of luck."

Payne, 21, said he made his decision to leave during spring break after talking with family and friends, including former coaches.

In Payne's absence, junior Bryce Cartwright emerged as a solid Big Ten point guard. In league games, Cartwright led the league in assists with 6.8 a game. By the end of the season, McCaffery said Cartwright had earned the job on a permanent basis.

Payne wouldn't say if his future role was a factor in leaving the program. He said he and McCaffery had a good end-of-season meeting that was "positive."

"We didn't talk about anything specific," Payne said. "I'm not going to say exactly what was said, but it was definitely a very positive communication between me and Coach McCaffery."

Payne said he plans to takes visits and has been in contact with other programs. Payne said he'll talk with former Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter, who wants to coach again, before making a decision.

Payne is one of many high-profile transfers away from Iowa in recent years. But he doesn't see a mass exodus away from the program.

"As far as I know, I'm the only one that's considering transferring," he said.

With Payne's departure, Iowa now has three available scholarships for the upcoming season.