YORKTON - The Saskatchewan Rattlers are headed to the playoffs.
It’s a huge accomplishment for the CEBL franchise given the team’s recent records.
After going 11-9 in the league’s inaugural season of 2019, and going on to win the CEBL championship – they hosted the final’s event – the Rattlers went 1-5 in the league’s COVID bubble season of 2020, and continued to scuffle in 2021 going a dismal 1-13.
This season the Rattlers sit at 10-8 with two games left on their regular season schedule. The Rattlers will be in Guelph tonight (July 27), to take on the Nighthawks and then wrap up their regular season schedule Friday in Montreal against the Alliance.
“We knew we needed to be a lot better,’ offered Rattler general manager Barry Rawlyk, “and we are.”
Of course there is still court time ahead.
“I don’t think our work is done yet, but we’re on the right path,” said Rawlyk.
Saskatchewan heads into their last two games on a hot steak, winning their last three games 91-85 over the Shooting Stars, 84-81 over the Nighthawks and 92-90 over Ottawa.
The Hamilton Honey Badgers lead the league at 13-5, with the Niagara River Lions at 12-6, and the Fraser Valley Bandits 11-7, followed by the Rattlers, Edmonton and Scarborough all with 10 wins and two games to play.
So what has been the difference for the Rattlers in 2022?
“Just the level of confidence we have this year that we were lacking before,” suggested Rawlyk.
A big part of the confidence radiates from the coach, added Rawlyk.
Dean Demopoulos took over the team this season, and he has made a difference.
“He’s the type of leader, it radiates down to the players,” said Rawlyk, adding the coach is a big reason the Rattlers are operating with “this level of confidence.”
That confidence has meant the Rattlers have battled late, winning some, losing others, but staying in games late.
“That’s what I’m talking about, the confidence level that we have,” said Rawlyk.
It helps having a true ‘big’ this season too.
Canadian forward Jordy Tshimanga at 6’ 11” has at times been a real force with a team leading 7.8 rebounds a game.
“He’s having an impact. He’s a big cog in the machine,” said Rawlyk, who was quick to add the Rattlers are more about its varied parts than a single player.
Tony Carr is the team’s top scorer with 19.9 points per game, just a smidge ahead of Scottie Lindsey at 19.8 with Devonte Bandoo at 16.6.
The CEBL is also continuing to evolve.
For example, effective Feb. 1, each team had to allocate one spot on its 10-man active roster to an International Player - a non-American import.
Sebastian Aris was initially the Rattlers’ import from Denmark. He left the team recently and was replaced on the roster by Swedish player Anton Gaddefors.
“It’s certainly bringing a level of exposure to the league,” said Rawlyk, adding having non-American players coming to the CEBL certainly brings more awareness of the league around the world.
It doesn’t hurt that the non-American players generally have more experience with FIBA rules which the CEBL employs.
Rawlyk said they certainly know “the nuances of it” and that can run off on other players.
The CEBL continues to grow too. Scarborough, Montreal and Newfoundland joined this season and CEBL Commissioner Mike Morreale has indicated more will come.
“I think the continued growth of the league is exciting,” said Rawlyk, who noted having teams in Quebec and the Maritimes was a huge step making the CEBL a coast-to-coast league.
“The CEBL has shown it can prosper, not only prosper, but grow.”
That growth is likely, in time to include teams in Winnipeg and Calgary, which Rawlyk said would of course be good in terms of building rivalries for the Rattlers, much as the CFL Roughriders have with the Blue Bombers and Stampeders.
But, first the Rattlers will focus on the playoffs which begin Aug. 4.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the playoffs,” reiterated Rawlyk, adding “. . . It’s still up in the air where everybody could finish.”
That said Rawlyk believes the Rattlers are in the mix against anybody.
“We’ve proven we can take on, and beat, anybody in the league. We’re feeling pretty confident we can make our way to the final four (in Ottawa Aug, 12-14),” said Rawlyk.
