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Top 10 highest-paid assistant men’s basketball coaches at major schools last season

By Derek Helling

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; The Kentucky Wildcats enter the arena before the first half against the UCLA Bruins during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; The Kentucky Wildcats enter the arena before the first half against the UCLA Bruins during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats assistant coach Kenny Payne talks with forward Skal Labissiere (1) during the game against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Florida 80-61. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats assistant coach Kenny Payne talks with forward Skal Labissiere (1) during the game against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Florida 80-61. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kenny Payne, Kentucky

Kenny Payne made $805,000 last season, $55,000 of which was non-university compensation and the remainder his base salary. As the associate head coach at Kentucky, Payne has been credited with the development of NBA players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis.

Now in his seventh year at Kentucky, Payne has also assisted with the Wildcats’ perennial dominance of the recruiting scene. The Recruiting Services Consensus Index ranked Kentucky’s recruiting class tops in the nation in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017.

A former NBA player himself, Payne worked as an assistant at Oregon prior to joining Calipari at Kentucky. With Payne on staff, the Ducks recorded consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (2007-2008 and 2008-09) and won a Pac-10 title.

Next: 12 Biggest Cinderellas In March Madness History

As the value of March Madness payouts to schools from the NCAA along with conference television and streaming media rights continue to grow, these salaries paid to the top assistants will expand as well. The best talent will demand top dollar, and the programs listed here are already in the best position to offer that.