With the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season approaching, the Saskatchewan Rattlers are concentrating on rebuilding, as the team strives to break a two-year streak of missing the playoffs.
Returning for his fourth season in Saskatchewan, forward Anthony Tsegakele has not experienced playoff basketball since his debut year with the Rattlers in 2022.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say we’ve declined,” Tsegakele commented. “I believe we need to continue strengthening our foundation, persevering through the season, and securing those hard-fought, crucial victories.”
Since their last game in Montreal in July, the Rattlers have undergone significant changes, evident in both their player lineup and coaching staff.
This transformation is understandable considering the franchise’s tumultuous previous season, which started promisingly with a 5-2 record, placing them at the top of the Western Conference.
Subsequently, the team experienced a significant departure of its starting players, as its top four scorers—Jalen Harris, Elijah Harkless, Grant Basille, and Maurice Calhoo—left the organization for other opportunities.
Even after acquiring the reigning CEBL MVP, Teddy Allen, soon after, the Rattlers proceeded to lose 12 of their last 13 games, dropping to last place in the conference and concluding the season with a 6-14 record.
“Maintaining professionalism is crucial for everyone,” Tsegakele stated. “Player departures can be unexpected, and, hoping it doesn’t happen, injuries can occur, requiring others to step up.”
“We witnessed this with a few players last year, and I believe that’s a mentality everyone should adopt,” he added.
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This summer, the Rattlers opted not to retain head coach Larry Abney, promoting instead longtime assistant coach Eric Magdanz, who will make his debut as a CEBL head coach.
Additionally, Saskatchewan elevated Rob Lovelace to the position of lead assistant coach, with Steve Burrows serving as associate coach.
“Yes, things will be slightly different,” Lovelace remarked. “You’ll observe that this group is composed of tough, defensively-minded players. That was the team’s focus this year. They are athletic; I’ve noticed some can move quickly and cover the court effectively.”
Only four players from last year’s roster, including Tsegakele, have returned for the 2025 season: Cody John, Jaden Bediako, and Isaac Simon will once again don the green and gold.
This has created opportunities for new arrivals like Nate Pierre-Louis, who was signed to the roster during the off-season, to make their mark.
“They were one of the few teams this summer that genuinely had faith in me,” Pierre-Louis shared. “I chose to go where I felt valued. After praying on it, the opportunity arose, and I accepted quickly.”
“I committed immediately,” he added.
Before joining the Rattlers, Pierre-Louis, one of two players with recent NBA G League experience, played for the South Bay Lakers, Long Island Nets, and Iowa Wolves.
Lovelace noted that Pierre-Louis has been a valuable addition to the team, and he anticipates significant contributions from the guard in 2025.
“Nate has been excellent on defense,” Lovelace stated. “As someone who prioritizes defense, I immediately noticed his defensive skills and strength. His communication with the team is also noteworthy.”
As he integrates into a youthful roster that includes recent Canada West draft selections Simon, Declan Peterson, and Easton Thimm, who are still acclimatizing, Pierre-Louis mentioned his experience will be beneficial as he adapts to the CEBL’s specific dynamics.
“I am accustomed to a particular standard of basketball,” Pierre-Louis explained. “The rules are different here, but I am well-acquainted with the physical style of my game.”
“I am eager for the new challenges that lie ahead,” he expressed.
As their season begins on Thursday night with a home game against the Vancouver Bandits, a strong start is crucial for the Rattlers to overcome last year’s elimination disappointment and re-enter playoff contention after a three-summer absence.
“We’ve learned that this league is highly competitive,” Tsegakele acknowledged. “Talent is spread across all 10 teams, and on any given night, even the lowest-ranked team can win. Therefore, you must be prepared for every game, perform at your best, and be ready to compete.”
The Rattlers commence their 2025 CEBL season on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., hosting the Bandits at SaskTel Centre.
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The Rattlers’ dramatic mid-season collapse last year, plummeting from a promising 5-2 start to a 6-14 finish despite the high-profile acquisition of then-reigning CEBL MVP Teddy Allen, starkly illustrates the CEBL’s inherent volatility. With such rapid roster turnover a league reality, their current focus on a “hard-nosed, defensive” identity and, as forward Anthony Tsegakele puts it, ‘building our foundation,’ feels less like a choice and more like a crucial adaptation if they hope to end a two-year playoff absence in this fast-paced league.