Clarence Payia signs with LA Tech men’s basketball

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech men’s basketball head coach Talvin Hester added to his roster on Thursday with the signing of high school standout Clarence Payia.

Payia, a native of Beaumont, Texas, joins a 2024 recruiting class that includes Landren Blocker, Anthony “AJ” Bates Jr., and Albert “Al” Green.

“We are really excited to have Clarence join our program,” said Hester. “He has the ability to both create mismatches on the court with his size and stretch the floor. We can’t wait to get him on campus and get to work!”

The 6-foot-6, 180-pound combo guard played at Beaumont United where he helped the Timberwolves go 30-3 this past season, advancing to the Texas 6A state semifinals which was their fourth straight state tournament appearance.

Payia scored a game-high 21 points in a 49-48 victory over Clear Springs to reach the semifinals. He would scored a game-high 27 points in the narrow loss to Stony Point.

Ranked as the 12th-best player in the Greater Houston Area by RCS Sports, he earned TABC 6A All-State, TABC 6A All-Region, and UIL 6A All-Tournament Team honors as a senior.

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