GSAC Preview Series: William Jessup Warriors

William Jessup, the school’s first President, founded San Jose Bible College in 1939. Jessup’s great grandson Rich Jessup was the head boys basketball coach at my high school (North County Christian High School) from 2004-2006 and was the head girls basketball coach in the 2006-2007 season. In 1989, San Jose Bible College was renamed San Jose Christian College. In 2002 the school received regional accredidation by WASC. In 2004, the school became known as its current name (William Jessup University) and it is located in Rocklin, California.

The William Jessup Warriors are the newest members of the Golden State Athletic Conference. The GSAC is one of the best conferences in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Division One. The Warriors play in the new Warrior Arena, which seats 1,100 fans.

The Warriors are coached by Lance Von Vogt who started out as the director of basketball operations at Georgia State. He served under Lefty Driesell who is the only coach to win 100 games at 4 different colleges (Davidson; Maryland; James Madison; Georgia State). Von Vogt is in his second season with the Warriors. In his first season he led the Warriors to a 15-12 record going 9-3 in conference (California Pacific Conference).

Quick Facts:

William Jessup University

Location:

San Jose, CA

Attendance:

1,100

2013-14 Record:

Overall Record:- 15-12

Record in California Pacific Conference: 9-3

Why fans should be hopeful:

The Warriors return six players including 6’2” wing Justin Downer who averaged 6.1 points per game a year ago. They have added eight recruits this season. The Warriors will rely on three transfers in particular.

1. Chris Murry is a 5’ 11” 175 lb. guard transferring from West Valley College, averaged 16.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in his two seasons as a Viking while shooting 40% from the three-point line. His ability to impact the game as a scorer, passer and rebounder will be a challenge to whoever is guarding him.

2. Djuan Smith is a 6’3” 200 lb. wing transferring from Peninsula College. While at Peninsula College he played for head coach Mitch Freeman who was an assistant coach on Joe Callero’s coaching staff at Seattle University as well as Cal Poly. During the 2012-2013 season, Djuan was named to the NWAAC’s (Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges) All-Defensive team as well as NWAAC’s Second Team. His size and strength will allow him to drive past defenders and finish through contact.

3. Desmond Floyd is a 6’6” 240 lb. forward transferring from Mid-Continent University where he redshirted for the Cougars. In high school he averaged 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in his senior season at Chandler High School in Phoenix. Coach Von Vogt is looking forward to Desmond’s ability to defend post players and rebound missed shots.

Why should fans be concerned:

The Warriors are projected to finish last in the GSAC because it is their first year. As one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA, the GSAC consistently has 3 or 4 teams make the National Tournament. The teams that make the tournament have go to players and depth on the bench. I believe depth is developed over time while in the GSAC. The competition level of the Cal Pac is a notch below that of the GSAC. A team jumping up a level will have difficulty winning in its first season. While the Warriors may not win many GSAC games I expect them to remain competitive by following the diligent leadership of their head coach.

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