Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball head coach Talvin Hester announced Tuesday the addition of eight newcomers to the Bulldog program.
ETHAN BLACKMON
Lewisville, Texas | Forward | 6-7 | 240
Blackmon comes to LA Tech after a productive three-year career at Northeastern State where he totaled 1,063 points and 534 rebounds across 76 games. He registered 13 double-doubles and 58 double-digit scoring performances while shooting 55.0 percent from the field.
Despite his junior season being cut short, Blackmon averaged 13.6 points and a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game, including three 20-10 outings. As a sophomore, he earned Third Team All-MIAA honors after averaging 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds, tallying 10 games of 20+ points, including a season-high 30 against Nebraska-Kearney. He was also a key contributor off the bench as a freshman, averaging 11.6 points and 5.7 boards per contest.
“We are excited about the addition of Ethan to our program. His combination of size and skill make him special. We look forward to his arrival in Ruston.”
JAY TYLER
Glen Allan, Mississippi | Guard | 6-0 | 175
Tyler arrives after two seasons at Jones College where he helped lead the Bobcats to a 54-14 record, a MACCC regular season title, and two Region 23 championships.
He totaled 724 career points and emerged as a star this past season, averaging 17.9 points and 5.5 assists per game while earning First Team All-MACCC, First Team All-Region, and Region 23 Tournament MVP honors.
“Jay is a proven winner. He does a lot on the court to impact winning, making plays for his teammates, rebounding, making shots, and being a leader. He is a great addition to our program, institution and community.”
IZUCHUKWU EMELIFE
League City, Texas | Forward | 6-7 | 240
Emelife redshirted at Lamar before building an impressive prep resume at Clear Spring High School, where he scored over 1,000 career points and set seven school records as a senior.
He averaged 14.0 points on 64 percent shooting while posting 26 double-doubles. He also averaged 12.9 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game, ranking first in Texas 6A. As a result, he was named District defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-Galveston County selection.
“We are excited to have Izu join us. With his size, he will bring a post presence and toughness to our program. We are looking forward to his arrival.”
LINWOOD ROWE
Fayetteville, North Carolina | Forward | 6-7 | 200
Rowe spent his sophomore season at Brunswick Community College, helping the Dolphins capture the NJCAA Region 10 district title, defeating No. 1 seed Gaston College to advance to the national tournament.
Ranked as the 97th best junior college player in the country per JucoRecruiting, he earned Second Team All-Region 10 honors after averaging 13.6 points while shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds per contest. His freshman season was spent at Kentucky Christian where he played in six games for the Knights.
“We are excited to welcome Linwood to our Bulldog Family. His competitive nature and grit are what makes him special. We are looking forward to his presence on and off the floor here in Ruston.”
DEVEN BATES
Jackson, Mississippi | Guard | 6-3 | 190
Bates joins the Bulldogs after a dominant sophomore season at Pensacola State College where he averaged 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, earning First Team All-Panhandle Conference and Division I All-FCSAA honors.
The 10th best player in junior college per JucoRecruiting scored double figures in all 30 games, including 17 contests with 20+ points, and ranked among the nation’s leaders in scoring. The two-way playmaker also tallied 72 steals for an average of 2.4 per game, ranking 21st in the nation. He spent his freshman season at Copiah-Lincoln Community College where he earned First Team All-MACCC honors after averaging 23.1 points per game, which ranked top five in the country.
“Deven is a dynamic guard that can play on or off the ball. Along with his ability to score, he affects the game by making plays and rebounds well from the guard position. We are excited to have him be a part of the Bulldog Family.”
IYRAN FRANCIS JR.
Quincy, Florida | Forward | 6-7 | 200
Francis played his freshman season at Gulf Coast State, helping lead the Commodores to a 28-8 record and an NJCAA Final Four appearance.
Named to the 2026 Fab 50 Juco Freshmen by JucoRecruiting, he averaged 9.0 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 66.8 percent from the field and ranking among the national leaders in offensive rebounds with 165 (average of 4.6 offensive rebounds per game ranked fourth in the nation). He also added 42 blocks and 42 steals.
“Iyran is a fierce competitor that impacts winning in multiple ways. His high motor and ability to rebound is second to none. Iyran resembles what we want as a student-athlete here at Louisiana Tech and we cannot wait to get him on campus.”
JAMES SANDERSON
Dallas, Texas | Guard | 6-2 | 165
Sanderson prepped at New Hampton School where he was ranked among the top point guards in New Hampshire and New England. He averaged 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game as a senior.
“We are excited about adding James to our program. He brings a strong combination of talent, poise, and leadership that will positively impact our team and the university. He understands the game, makes good decisions, and naturally elevates the players around him. We are looking forward to his arrival on campus.”
KYRAN TILLEY
Louisville, Kentucky | Guard | 6-1 | 175
Tilley spent two seasons at Central Missouri, earning MIAA Freshman of the Year honors and later Third Team All-MIAA and All-Defensive Team recognition as a sophomore.
He averaged 12.7 points per game this past season while helping lead the Mules to a 24-10 record and NCAA-II Regional semifinal appearance. He also totaled 124 assists and a team-high 54 steals. As a freshman, he averaged 10.4 points per contest while leading the team in free-throw percentage (86.3) and assists (67).
“Kyran brings a strong blend of toughness and a winning pedigree that will positively impact our team. He has been a winner at every level and competes with a purpose that elevates those around him. We are looking forward to getting him on campus and continuing his development.”
