Adreian Payne receives Outreach Award for friendship with Lacey Holsworth

Michigan State senior Adreian Payne was honored at Friday's John R. Wooden awards, receiving the first ever Outreach Award for his friendship with Lacey Holsworth.

Holsworth, an eight-year-old cancer patient, was befriended by Payne and the Spartans this season in a touching story. She attended the team's year-end banquet and joined Payne at the NCAA dunk contest during Final Four weekend. Sadly, Holsworth passed away earlier this week, and a memorial was held for her on Thursday.

"She wouldn't want me to be sad," Payne said. "It's hard."

Payne was given a standing ovation when presented with the award and revealed that he hadn't wanted to travel to Los Angeles for the honor but was encouraged to do so by Holsworth's father.

"He told me Lacey would want me to come out," Payne said. "It's not just for me, it's for her. That's the main reason why I came."