Eastern Michigan University has added two experienced professionals to its men's basketball coaching staff, appointing Paxton Payne as Director of Player Development and Brendan Durivage as Chief of Staff. The moves are designed to strengthen both player growth and the program's operational backbone as the team prepares for the upcoming season under Head Coach Billy Donlon.
Paxton Payne arrives after a multifaceted career that blends playing experience, coaching responsibilities, and academic achievement. He previously played under Coach Donlon at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he earned Summit League Academic Honor Roll honors and was named to the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence. Payne also contributed on the court, averaging 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Coaching pedigree and academic excellence
Beyond his playing days, Payne has built a reputation as a diligent coach and scholar. His father, Steve Payne, boasts a distinguished coaching lineage that includes a long tenure as head coach at Tennessee Tech, providing Paxton with a deep-rooted understanding of program development. This blend of on‑court experience and academic distinction positions Payne to mentor student‑athletes both athletically and academically.
Brendan Durivage complements Payne's player‑focused background with a strong operational résumé. He has served as Assistant Director of Basketball Operations at Cal State Fullerton and collaborated with Hassan Nizam at Central Michigan, gaining insight into program logistics and staff coordination. Durivage also volunteers with the REACH Legends AAU team in Detroit and has worked as a special assistant for the D Rice Elite 16U team, underscoring his ties to Michigan's basketball community.
Strategic vision from the head coach
Head Coach Billy Donlon expressed confidence that the new hires will elevate the program's competitiveness. He highlighted Payne's firsthand experience under his leadership at UMKC and Durivage's operational acumen, stating that both bring "a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence" that align with the university's ambitions. Their combined expertise is expected to accelerate player development and streamline the team's day‑to‑day functions.
The appointments also reflect a broader strategy to deepen the program's connections within the state. Durivage's Michigan‑based network, cultivated through his education at Michigan State University and various local coaching roles, should facilitate recruiting and community engagement. Together, Payne and Durivage are poised to contribute significantly to the Eagles' growth on and off the court.