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Well-Traveled Sa'Dullah Embraces WVU
October 08, 2015 03:30 PM | Women's Basketball
Over the next few weeks, WVUsports.com will highlight members of the 2015-16 West Virginia University women’s basketball team. The fifth installment of this feature includes freshman guard Yassemeen "Yazzy" Sa'Dullah.
Yassemeen “Yazzy” Sa’Dullah is not afraid of jumping into the unknown. The West Virginia University freshman spent her younger years in Minneapolis, before moving to Las Vegas, where she started high school. After her sophomore year, she moved once again to Burbank, California, where she would finish her high school career.
Why all this movement? Sa’Dullah’s father Musab Saad is one of three co-founders of the independent hip hop record label Rhymesayers Entertainment. Saad, also known as Sab the Artist, travels frequently for his profession. The two moved to California, where Saad could continue his career in songwriting.
Sa’Dullah has been afforded unique opportunities to meet some of hip hop music’s biggest stars such as Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi and Atmosphere.
Although Sa’Dullah is surrounded by many musical influences, aspirations to pursue music is not her ambition. Basketball is her biggest passion and it’s a game she enjoyed playing her entire life.
“My dad plays basketball for fun, but it’s not something he really does,” noted the freshman. “He’s more of a music guy, but we play together all the time.”
Many people aren’t able to handle the adversity of moving from place to place. But Sa’Dullah credits her father’s “bigger picture” philosophy in helping her develop as an individual and athlete.
“If you think about the bigger picture and realize that people all over the world are struggling, your problems don’t seem as big,” said Sa’Dullah. “I think that’s something I really took away from him. It helps me stay grounded.”
Sa’Dullah finished her career at Burbank with an average of 18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. She was ranked the 31st-best point guard by ESPN HoopGurlz in 2015. Sa’Dullah was rated as the sixth-best prospect in California’s 2015 class, by All Star Girls Report.
Having such a big passion for the sport, Sa’Dullah wanted to continue to play at the collegiate level. Traveling across the country wasn’t an obstacle for Sa’Dullah, which made WVU and the Big 12 a perfect fit.
“I would say traveling and getting that whole experience is something I really look forward to,” said Sa’Dullah.
She has been fortunate enough to have already made a trip with her new teammates. The Mountaineer women’s basketball program ventured to London and Spain for four contests this summer. The experience helped Sa’Dullah quickly adjust from California and settle in to her new home at WVU.
“My teammates made me feel welcome. Distance is kind of hard, but the team has really helped,” said Sa’Dullah.
As one of eight freshman, Sa’Dullah understands that she will be needed during the 2015-16 season. And she’s ready to contribute any way possible.
“I just want to play my best and contribute to the team as much as I can,” said Sa’Dullah.
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