Tech signs two for the 2011-12 season

Tennessee Tech's newest head coach, Steve Payne, and the rest of the Golden Eagle men's basketball staff will welcome Lanerryl Esters-Johnson to the Golden Eagle roster as one of two new signees for the 2011-12 basketball season.

A 6'0" guard out of Marietta, Ga., Esters-Johnson played under Joe Goydish at Walton High School, making a name for himself as a combo-guard, averaging 24 points per game during his senior season. He is also known for his work ethic day in and day out, both in and out of season, as well as for being successful in the classroom.

"The first thing you'll notice about Lanerryl is that he has tremendous speed and quickness to his game," Payne said. "He has a great work ethic and desire to be successful."

The staff will also welcome Ryon Riggins, a native of Suwanee, Ga., this upcoming season. Riggins is a power forward standing at 6'9" from North Gwinnett High School, averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds per game. A player under Zach Smith, Riggins is an up-tempo forward who moves up and down the floor well, with an intuition that allows him to find the ball in transition.

In addition to being the biggest player on his high school team his senior season, Riggins was also tagged the most coach-able by Smith. A good listener and a quick learner, Smith says that Riggins displays a willingness to work every day.

"Ryon is a player that has what we call a high ceiling," Payne continued. "He has quick feet and, like most big men, will continue to grow and mature as a player at a different pace."