In his position as a guard for John Brown University’s men’s basketball team, senior Payton Guiot accomplished multiple victories in his athletic career, including earning the NAIA Scholar-Athlete award last year. Payton shared with the Threefold his experience with the JBU basketball team and his appreciation for the support he has from his family and partner in his athletic career.
From Paragould, Arkansas, Guiot, now close to receiving his degree in accounting, shared that his experience with the University’s team is exceptional. “It has been really cool, I like my teammates a lot better here than anywhere else I’ve been.” Guiot’s journey at John Brown started 2 years ago, after transferring from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Over his two years with the Riverhawks in NSU, Guiot played in 37 contests and posted a personal best 12-point outing on 4-of-10 shooting from the floor versus Central Oklahoma.
As part of many of his accomplishments, Guiot recently played his last season with JBU’s men’s basketball team and totaled a season-high 32 points on seven triples against Central Baptist. Guiot was honored by the Sooner Athletic Conference and was recognized as part of the 2022-23 Men’s Basketball third team.
Guiot remarked how grateful he is for all the support he has received from his girlfriend. “I came to JBU because of my girlfriend, it was closer.” After being together for five and a half years, they are now engaged and plan to get married this summer. “She has always gone to my games, I think she is the best, she really has helped me a lot,” Guiot said.
For Guiot, basketball has always been part of his life because his father is a basketball coach. He also remarked that his family is there for him anytime he needs them. “My parents, my brother and my sister have been there to support me all the time.” Guiot particularly stated that his major inspiration in his life is his older brother. “We’re really close, I always looked up to him.” Guiot considers his brother to be his role model. “He has taught me a lot, even now as he has become a dad and I still think I am learning a lot from him,” Guiot said.
After graduation, Guiot is planning to get married and would like to focus on his professional life. He also added that he would like to build a family in the future and find a nice job. Even if his time as a basketball player is coming to an end, he has certainly worked hard in accomplishing more than 200 field goals, with over 50 games played and almost 670 points scored in his career. “I am sure I’ll keep playing basketball though, but just for fun,” Guiot said.
Payton Guiot – Men’s Basketball – John Brown University Athletics (jbuathletics.com)