Polite heading to William Jessup

Robert Marten writes: William Jessup University will be adding athleticism and experience to their men's basketball program next year in the form of  6' 3" transfer guard Saajid Polite.

Polite, who hails from Sacramento, will suit up for the Warriors in 2015-16 and is expected to make an immediate impact as Jessup heads into year two of their affiliation with the Golden State Athletic Conference, which is widely considered the number one NAIA conference in the country.

As a prep, Polite stared at Grant high school in basketball and football. Following his prep career he became an all league shooting guard at Merritt College before taking a two year hiatus. In his last year playing at Merritt College, Polite shot 58% from the floor, 56.5% from behind the three-point arc, while averaging 13.3 points per game and three rebounds per game.

Head Jessup basketball coach Lance Von Vogt stated that "Saajid is a special person and a special player who is a former Merritt College standout who had to take two years away from the game of basketball to support his family. Now the time has come for him to earn his college degree and prepare himself and his family for their future. We are thrilled that Saajid has chosen William Jessup to accomplish those worthy goals."

"WJU gave me a great opportunity to step back on to the basketball court and finish my degree," said Polite. "I just want to contribute to the teams overall goals this season and to adapt my style of play to help my team." Polite plans on majoring in English while attending William Jessup.

The combo guard, along with his offensive abilities, brings a significant defensive presence to the Warrior team with his quickness. Von Vogt stated that "Saajid is a terrific combo guard who will bring a NCAA Division 1 caliber athleticism to the court. He is a defensive stopper on the perimeter that controls the pace and flow of the game on that end of the floor. Offensively he has a nice array of moves to the basket with the ability to hit pull up jumpers as well as hit the three point shot."
Saajid will have an immediate impact on the Warrior team bringing experienced leadership and a high level of play. Von Vogt concluded the conversation regarding Polite saying "Saajid's signing is a great day for William Jessup Basketball, it represents what hard work, determination and persistence can accomplish."