Commencement 2023: Distinguished Alumnus Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II knew the path to becoming a professional athlete was a difficult one and that it was going to take grit to reach his dreams. “You just got to promise yourself that you are going to buy in and take the punches as they come and enjoy the journey—and the journey depends on how much work and effort you put into it,” says Gary.

He chose to attend and play basketball at Salt Lake Community College because it was part of a well-respected conference and offered a chance to get recognized. Gary played for SLCC from 2012 to 2014 before moving on to play at Oregon State University. One of the highlights of his career was winning the NBA championship in 2022 with the Golden State Warriors.

“Going to SLCC was just another piece of the journey. I got into a good rhythm and routine and focused on what I had to do,” says Gary.

During his time as a Bruin, he earned multiple awards including being named an NJCAA Second Team All-America player as a sophomore. The support Gary received from his SLCC instructors and coaches, “just made it smooth” for his two years at the College, where he earned an associate’s degree in business.

Last December, Gary was honored at the SLCC vs. Northwest basketball game for the retiring of his jersey, # 1. The jersey memorializes his time at SLCC and is displayed in Bruin Arena. He is currently the shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors based in San Francisco.

Salt Lake Community College’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award honors SLCC graduates and former students for professional excellence and exemplary service to their communities in their chosen professional or academic fields. It’s the highest award the college bestows upon alumni. Traditionally, one female alumna and one male alumnus are selected as honorees each year.

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