ROCKLIN, Calif. – It is a historic day for Jessup Athletics and the men's basketball team. Taking a massive leap up in the newly released NAIA Coaches Poll, the Warriors have cracked the top-10 for the first time in program history, sitting at No. 8 in the country.
 
"This is a great group of guys committed to each other and the standards of the team," said head coach Lance Von Vogt. "We are grateful for the opportunity to play college ball and for me and my staff to coach college ball."
 
The news comes on the heels of a 3-0 run since the last poll was released on December 1. Jessup saw wins over San Diego Christian, Hope International, and Menlo College. The competition in those games was tough, as today's news also shows Menlo receiving votes and Hope jumping to No. 25.
 
Jessup is no stranger to a top-25 ranking, sitting in the NAIA Top-25 on 22 different occasions since 2006. The Warriors' highest spot had previously been No. 16 in the country, coming in the third poll of the 2016-17 season.
 
On top of a program's best ranking, the Warriors also find themselves on top of all other Golden State Athletic Conference rivals. (10) Arizona Christian, (25) Hope International, and (RV) Menlo also join today's list.
 
The Warriors' 12-1 record is also best in the GSAC. At 4-1 in conference play, Jessup sits 0.5 games behind Hope International (5-1), who have played one more game thus far.
 
Aiding in their successes on the court, the Warriors are paced by four players averaging double-figures this season. Reigning GSAC Freshman of the Year, Myles Corey leads with 15.6 PPG. Right behind Myles is Cashemin Williams, who averages 15.3 PPG following a season-high 36 in Saturday's victory in Atherton.
 
Jayden DeJoseph averages 10.4 PPG and is Jessup's best threat from deep, connecting on 35 3-pointers this season. Big man Matthew Schmidt leads the GSAC in field goal percentage (65.6-percent) and averages 10.9 PPG.
 
The top-10 ranking will quickly be put to the test, as possibly the marquee matchup of the season comes this weekend when the Warriors take on No. 9 Indiana Wesleyan as part of the Daytona Beach Shootout. The Wildcats are 11-2 to start the season.
 
Rest will not come quickly, as another top-25 battle awaits the Warriors on Sunday as they take on No. 23 Concordia (NE). Both games will take place at the ICI Center in Daytona Beach, FL.
 
While the ranking may put a target on Jessup's back, it remains all status quo, says Von Vogt. "Nothing changes for us. We stay committed to the process and the details and each other."
 
Jessup will enter the New Year with the No. 8 ranking, as Wednesday was the final Coaches Poll until January 12. The complete rankings can be viewed online HERE.
   
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).