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Adreian Payne Wears A Thoughtful Tribute To 'Princess Lacey' At NBA Draft Event

ATLANTA (CBS DETROIT/AP) — The Atlanta Hawks drafted the power forward Adreian Payne from Michigan State University Thursday night. During the event Payne wore colors in honor of 8-year-old Lacey Holsworth who died of cancer in April.

Payne pointed out to cameras the words "Adreian & Lacey" embroidered to the inside of his blazer.

Matt and Heather Holsworth, Lacey's parents, joined Izzo in standing with Payne as he was introduced at the draft Thursday night. Payne wore a wristband in Lacey's honor.

Adreian Payne
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 26: Prospect Adreian Payne of Michigan State attends the 2014 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

"It's dedicated to Lacey Holsworth — and it's the color of her cancer that she had, leukemia, and I wear a band every day," he said. "As you can see, the band is the same color as the suit."

Lacey was a big fan of Michigan State University basketball and Payne befriended her during one of her hospital stays.

At an emotional memorial ceremony to celebrate Lacey's life on April 17, Payne led her family off the covered basketball court at the Breslin Center. About 2,500 people attended the service.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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