Russell Payne joined the Cal State East Bay men’s basketball coaching staff in July 2024. He brings many years of basketball coaching experience, both at the high school and club level. 

Before joining East Bay, Payne served as the varsity assistant basketball coach at Harvard-Westlake School and was the founder and president for Los Angeles Elite Basketball Club from 2013-2024. 

His coaching wealth also includes serving as head varsity boys basketball coach for West Torrance High School, varsity associate head coach for Redondo Union High School and varsity assistant coach at Crossroads High School.

At Harvard-Westlake, Payne was on a staff that led the Wolverines to four Mission League championships, two CIF Southern Section championships, two CIF Southern Regional Open Division championships and two CIF Open Division state championships. 

While at West Torrance, he was named Pioneer League Coach of the Year in 2019-20 when his squad won the league championship.

Payne earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Purdue Global University in 2024. 

https://eastbaypioneers.com/staff-directory/russell-payne/337