California Maritime Academy men's basketball coach Bryan Rooney has announced the signing of Shasta Junior College guard Grant Blaser for the 2012-2013 season.

The six foot three Blaser joins Cal Maritime after an excellent two year career playing for Shasta head coach Kelly Fitzhugh. As a sophomore, Grant was named First Team All Conference as he led the Knights in scoring at 13.5 points per game. A very efficient player, Blaser shot 50% from the field and 39% from three point range. In addition, he also had a two to one assist to turnover ratio. Grant also enjoyed a standout high school career as he played for Red Bluff High School.

"We graduated seven very special seniors and a priority for this year's recruiting class was bringing in perimeter players ready to play immediately. Grant absolutely fits that criteria. He played for one of the best coaches around in Coach Fitzhugh and he is an extremely smart player. The growth he has shown in his game the past few years leads us to believe that he has some great basketball ahead of him. He not only has the ability to score but also make those around him better. We are thankful we have the opportunity to coach a high quality person in Grant," commented Head Coach Bryan Rooney.

Blaser explained that coming to a winning program was a priority for him, " I wanted to come to Cal Maritime because I wanted to be a part of a team that worked hard and played with great team chemistry. After watching the playoff game against Simpson I knew they had both of those components and that I wanted to become a Keelhauler. "

Blaser joins Cal Maritime as the program comes off the best season in school history as the Keelhaulers set the school record for wins, won the Cal Pac Conference with an undefeated record, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history. The 2012-2013 season begins as the Keelhaulers host Cal Maritime Invitational starting November 2nd. 

Go Keelhaulers!