Maryland Terrapins star forward Pharrel Payne was carted off with a gruesome-looking injury after a slam dunk in Saturday’s game against the Marquette Golden Eagles.

With just over 12 minutes remaining in the second half, Pharrel Payne dribbled to the rim and finished off a slam dunk to cut the Terrapins’ deficit to five. Payne held onto the rim for a couple of seconds, but suffered a horrific-looking injury after letting go.

A warning that the video may be disturbing for some viewers:


Payne had to be stretchered off and was taken to a hospital, Maryland head coach Buzz Williams told reporters after the game. There was no immediate update on the severity of the injury, with Williams asking for prayers.

The Terrapins went on to win 89-82 to improve to 3-1 on the season, while the Golden Eagles fell to 3-2.

Pharrel Payne Was Off To An Excellent Start Before Injury vs. Marquette

Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Pharrel Payne (21) reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. (Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

The 6-foot-9 Payne spent his first two seasons of college basketball at Minnesota before moving to Texas A&M for one year. In his one season there, Payne averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Pharrel Payne has taken his game to another level early with the Terrapins, though. He averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 assists per game over his first three contests and had 13 points and two assists against Marquette.

Here’s hoping Payne avoided a serious injury and will be back on the court soon.