By Erik Elken

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Gary Payton was at Gill Coliseum Saturday night to witness Oregon State's first Pac-12 weekend sweep of the season.

The nine-time NBA all-star had been back to Corvallis few times since his playing days as a Beaver.

"I thought it was time to come back," Payton said. "They're having a great season, and I just thought it was time."

Payton and Head Coach Craig Robinson have had a close relationship since Robinson became OSU's head coach. Robinson said he and Payton exchange texts often and kept pushing for Payton to return.

The fans gave the former Beaver star a rousing ovation during the first media timeout of the game.

Current Beaver and fellow Bay Area native Jared Cunningham has worked with Payton during past offseasons.

"It was great to see Gary come back," Cunningham, who had a game-high 18 points in the win over USC, said.

Payton's presence could also help out the Beavers in the recruiting world.

"It's almost immeasurable...when people see the combination of greatness that we have had here and then they see a bit of a resurgence so far, and they see an exciting brand of basketball, it's terrific for recruiting," Robinson said.

Payton also said he thinks Oregon State will win the Pac-12 tournament in Los Angeles this March. If the Beavers are able to do so, it would ensure their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 1990.