Payton Sandfort’s Unique Sweet 16 Perspective
Payton Sandfort has a front-row seat to the upcoming NCAA Tournament showdown between Nebraska and Iowa. He’s got family ties on both sides: his brother, Pryce Sandfort, leads Nebraska in scoring, while Payton played four years for Iowa.
“It’s like a Hollywood horror story,” he shared. “You want both teams to succeed. And now they face each other?”
This season is particularly special for both brothers. Payton, now a notable figure in Iowa athletics, recently signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored his first NBA points in March—a 3-pointer against Brooklyn—before returning to the G League. Meanwhile, Pryce captured national attention as he helped Nebraska to its first NCAA Tournament win against Troy. His skill shone through with seven 3-pointers that day.
In the Sweet 16 matchup, Pryce hit a game-winning assist, sealing a tight victory against Vanderbilt. Payton noted, “For him to give that up and make a play—that’s the kind of stuff you dream about.”
Payton has a rich connection to Iowa basketball. He scored 30 points in what turned out to be the final game for coach Fran McCaffery, who had led the team for 15 years. The program recently saw an overhaul, with many players transferring, including Pryce who moved to Nebraska.
The rivalry stretches beyond the court. When Nebraska played Iowa in February, Payton felt torn as he saw Pryce booed by the crowd. Yet, he remained proud of how Pryce handled the tense atmosphere.
“I sacrificed my career for that place,” he said, reflecting on his time with the Hawkeyes. “But this is a rivalry. No hard feelings.”
As for the Sweet 16, fate has a sense of humor. Payton’s G League team plays at the same time as the Iowa-Nebraska game. “You can’t make it up,” he laughed. Instead of watching with family, he’ll be playing himself, relying on a friend on the Iowa Wolves staff for updates throughout the game.
Despite the rival dynamics, Payton’s first priority is family, wishing the best for both teams. “I could never not support Pryce,” he shared. “For him to have a chance to play in the Final Four—that’s special for us.”
This story is not just about a game; it’s about family, rivalry, and the dreams shared between brothers on and off the court. Whether in the stands or on the court, it’s a memorable chapter in their lives.
For insights into the impact of NCAA basketball on player careers, check out NCAA Research. Statistics show that as many as 78% of NCAA Division I men’s basketball players aspire to play professionally, highlighting the stakes for young athletes in these tournaments.
Source link
IA,Sharing,Sports,-,Hawkeyes,IA,Sharing,Statewide,Sports,Overall,Positive,Basketball,Sports,News,Iowa,NCAA,NCAA,Men’s,Basketball,Tournament,NBA,Big,Ten,Conference,Men’s,Basketball,National,Sports,Nebraska,Cornhuskers,IA Sharing Sports – Hawkeyes,IA Sharing Statewide Sports,Overall Positive,Basketball,Sports News,Iowa,NCAA,NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament,NBA,Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball,National Sports,Nebraska Cornhuskers
