Robert A. Payne, a first generation American of Bajan descent, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Robert graduated from Boys High, Class of 1954 and served two years in the United States Army at Fort Benning (Columbus, Georgia). While in the US Army, Robert’s commander discovered he was an excellent athlete. He was blessed to enjoy the privilege of representing his base during all three sport seasons; football, basketball and baseball. Robert loved basketball and wanted others to love it as well. Basketball, cycling and paddle ball became  his athletic pastimes. Jazz and reading were his other passions. 

A family man, Robert loved his wife and children deeply yet always found room in his heart for mentoring young men in his community. In the early 1980s, Robert began assisting with a community basketball league as a coach. He quickly became disenchanted by the focus on winning fostered by the organization and felt led to begin a program with a different focus. Robert was a firm believer in teaching fundamentals; the fundamentals of lie, manhood and ultimately basketball. He felt that character could be modeled and learned on the court. For nearly thirty years, Robert A. Payne sowed seeds of exceptional manhood in young men that he coached and mentored.

On August 20, 2021, Robert passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. In his memory, his wife and children are hosting the Robert A. Payne 3 on 3 tournament annually to continue his legacy in Queens, New York.

On August 20, 2021, Robert passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. In his memory, his wife and children are hosting this tournament to continue his legacy in Queens, New York. An annual scholarship will be given to a deserving student athlete who attends Boys and Girls High in Brooklyn, New York.

(Columbus, Georgia).

While in the US Army, Robert’s commander discovered he was an excellent athlete. He had the privilege to represent his base during all three sports seasons; football, basketball, and baseball. Robert loved basketball and wanted others to love it as well. Basketball, cycling, and paddle ball became his athletic pastimes. Jazz and reading were his other passions.

A family man, Robert deeply loved his wife and children yet always found room in his heart for mentoring young men in his community. In the early 1980s, Robert began assisting with a community basketball league as a coach. He quickly became disenchanted by the focus on winning fostered by the organization and felt led to begin a program with a different focus.

Robert was a firm believer in teaching fundamentals; the fundamentals of life, manhood, and basketball. He felt that character could be modeled and learned on the court. For nearly 30 years, Robert A. Payne sowed seeds of exceptional manhood in young men he coached and mentored.

On August 20, 2021, Robert, at the age of 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep. In his memory, his wife and children are hosting this tournament to continue his legacy in Queens, New York.