The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A PAIR of Bahamian players will make the progression from the junior college university level with a new programme this fall.

Latrell Poitier and Shamir Rolle will transfer to join the Freed-Hardeman Lions, an NAIA Division I programme.

Last year with with the St Petersburg Titans in the NJCAA, Poitier - a 5'10" point guard - averaged five points and four assists per game while shooting 36 per cent from the field, 30 per cent from behind the arc and 69 per cent from the free throw line.

His top performance included a game-high 15 points against Pasco Hernando State College in November.

Poitier, the Grand Bahama native and former Tabernacle Falcon, told the St Petersburg College Sports Network that his two years with the Titans have prepared him for the next level.

"He [Titans head coach Earnet Crumbley] taught me a lot. When I was younger I used to speed up my game so much and I learned to slow it down. Him telling me those things, it got me better, it helped me to see the game better. I always had a passion for the game," Poitier said.

"I'm a pass-first point guard, I like to get teammates involved and then they can look at me afterwards. I try to focus on my decision-making. I try to be as patient as I can and try to make the right decisions. I can improve on those, knowing when to take shots and when not to."

When he left Grand Bahama, Poitier played at St Louis Christian in St Louis, Missouri, before advancing to the juco level.

"I played in a showcase in the Bahamas, coaches saw me, they liked what I brought to the table," he said.

"I want to get my degree and further my education in Environmental Studies. If I do go back to the Bahamas I would like to work for an oil company or something where environmental science can be beneficial. When you come to college don't think it's just about basketball. Once you get the work done in the classroom, basketball will always be there for you. Basketball can always stop but when you get your degree no one can take that from you."

The Lions compete in the NAIA's American Midwest Conference under second year head coach Jim Sanderson.

Sanderson told the Lions' athletic website that Poitier will add immediate depth to the backcourt and brings experience as a junior.

"We are very excited about the signing of Latrell, as he will bring great energy to our guard play by creating easy baskets in our fast-break and tremendous ball pressure on the defensive end," Sanderson said.

"He possesses a great work ethic in the classroom and on the floor. He will be fun to watch during the upcoming season."

Rolle, a 6-6 forward, transfers from Roane State Community College. He averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season.

Sanderson said Rolle, a product of the CI Gibson Rattlers, will be a key addition to the Lions' 2017-18 roster as a result of his size and presence under the basket. "We are excited about bringing Shamir to our programme," Sanderson said.

"He will bring a strong physical presence to our interior play and his ability to defend the post and rebound will be a key factor for us during the upcoming season."