Santa Monica, CA

April 19, 2020

Santa Monica College Men's Basketball Sophomore point guard Cesar Meza has signed a scholarship with the University of Saint Katherine, a NAIA university located in San Marcos, California. Meza will play under Saint Katherine head coach Kevin Williamson, who recruited Meza since the beginning of the 2019-2020 season.

Meza led the Corsairs in assists with 3.6 assists per game, and he contributed five points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Meza was one of the best ball handlers and passers in the state and that led to him being ranked #8 in the state in assist-to-turnover-ratio. Meza had 10 games with zero turnovers and 19 games with one or zero turnovers.

"Cesar is a true floor general and is an extension of the coaching staff on the floor," said Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "He has excellent court vision and exhibits high basketball IQ.  Our basketball program admires his work ethic, dedication, coach ability, and academic excellence. Cesar is a big-time competitor and Coach Williamson has signed a player who will make winning plays and make his teammates better. Cesar is one of the best passers in the all of California JUCO basketball, and it was a joy and privilege to coach him. I am glad Cesar decided to come to SMC. He has made our staff better coaches and we appreciate his efforts on and off the court. We are excited to watch him flourish under Coach Williamson."

Meza, who holds a 3.44 GPA, transferred to Santa Monica College after spending a year competing on the men's basketball team at Fullerton College during the 2017-2018 season. He sat out the 2018-2019 season and practiced with the team and played this past season. Meza set all his career-highs at SMC with 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds, five steals, and one block.

"I chose USK because I felt it was the right fit for me," said Meza. "I bonded with the coaching staff right away and they felt like family. I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and going to war with them. I loved my time at SMC. I grew on and off the floor. I personally want to thank my parents and previous coaches for everything that they have done. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I also want to thank Coach Thomas for bringing me into this program. He helped me out in a rough time in my life and I appreciate everything he did for me. I also want to thank Coach Maidenberg, Coach Richardson, and Coach Ben for everything they have helped me with as well. They have helped me grow a lot as a player."