Gary Payton Is A Team Leader

Seattle SuperSonic guard, Gary Payton was picked second in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft. At the time he was honored to be picked so early, but he says, he let that honor "go to his head."

"I felt that I was as good as anyone," says Gary. He demanded respect and didn't work very hard on his game. Then, he remembered the words of his college basketball coach from Oregon State University.

"He told me, `If you think you're at the height of your game, it's time to hang up your basketball shoes.' " says Gary. "He was right. I knew I better keep working. There are guys coming up who are working hard to get to me, so I better keep improving my game."

For several years, Gary's professional career was troubled. He was angry and always talked tough. Some people felt his attitude brought the Sonics down.

"I grew up in a rough neighborhood," says Gary. "When I was young and coming up, that was all I knew."

Two years ago Gary met his second cousin, former football great, Walter Payton. Meeting him changed Gary's life. "Walter was a leader on his team (Chicago Bears), he won a Super Bowl, and he saw the same thing in me," says Gary. "He said wherever I lead, the team will follow." Gary decided to try a new way of doing things.

"Gary's leadership has been very solid. He's gone from a trash-talking guy to a positive leader. Our record reflects that," says Sonic Head Coach George Karl.

At 6 feet 4 inches tall, Gary ranks among the best players in the NBA for shooting and stealing the ball. Whenever Gary feels he's not scoring baskets like he should, he thinks back to a game in college when he scored 58 points. "I think back to that game and I know I can shoot," says Gary.

The basketball player Gary admires most is Michael Jordan. "He plays basketball the way he wants to play it . . . with a lot of heart," says Gary. "He's a positive role model for kids and you never hear about Michael doing anything negative."

Gary likes to help children, too. He hopes to help kids stay away from drugs and do positive things with their lives. "Gary is a bigger-hearted person than people think he is," says Karl. "He kinda keeps that quiet."

The Sonics are on a winning path this year. Gary's goal for himself and his teammates is to get beyond the first round of the playoffs. "We have to win and get deep in the playoffs," says Gary. "We have to get that monkey off our backs."

What did you learn? 1. What year was Gary drafted by the Sonics? 2. Where did he play college basketball? 3. What basketball player does Gary admire most?

Did you hear the one? Q. Why was Cinderella a bad basketball player? A. She had a pumpkin for a coach.

Hearts and Crafts Valentine's Day is Wednesday. This year, instead of buying Valentine cards, make your own "Lace Up Hearts." Here's how:

What you'll need:

Red or pink construction paper Paper hole punch Crayons or markers Scissors Tape Red or pink yarn

What to do: 1. Cut a heart shape out of construction paper. Punch holes near the edge of heart. 2. Color designs on the heart and write a Valentine message. 3. Wrap tape around the end of a long piece of yarn. Lace the yarn through the holes in the heart, starting at the top. When you get back to the top, tie a bow in the yarn. 4. Give the heart to someone special.

To Help You Learn: Walter Payton is in the Football Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a running back for the Chicago Bears. He played with the Bears from 1975 to 1987. On Oct. 7, 1984, he broke the NFL record for most yards gained in a career. Before he retired, he rushed for 16,726 yards, had 10 1,000-yard seasons, went to nine Pro Bowls and was a member of the team that won the Super Bowl Championship in 1985.