Barry Rawlyk Returns for Fifth Season with Saskatchewan Rattlers

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers announced Tuesday that General Manager, Barry Rawlyk will return for his fifth season with the team for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.

Rawlyk celebrates his fourth year as GM, and fifth with the team after serving as the lead assistant coach and recruitment of the roster during the 2019 Championship season. In the 2022 season, Rawlyk was instrumental in locking down Dean Demopoulos as the head coach and spearheaded the recruitment process for the 2022 roster. With his extensive connections in the basketball world, Rawlyk had a vision for the talent and leadership leaning into the 2022 season – the Rattlers made their first playoff appearance since 2019.

Rawlyk served as the eighth head coach in University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball history, holding multiple program records. Rawlyk took the helm in an interim position in the 2010-11 season. In May 2012, he was officially named head coach of the men’s basketball program. During the 2010-11 season, Rawlyk led the Huskies to a fourth-place finish at the CIS (now U SPORTS) Championship and a second-place finish in Canada West. The following season, the team finished in first in their conference and hosted the Canada West Final Four for the first time in the program’s history. Prior to joining the Huskies, Rawlyk spent over two decades coaching with Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon. During his time with the Crusaders, he led them to 11 City Championships as well as three Provincial Championships. 

“Bringing Barry back as GM for 2023 was an easy decision after our successful rebuild in 2022,” said Rattlers Vice President, Brad Kraft “Barry is one of the best when it comes to recruiting players to Saskatoon. This year we are looking for consistency in an effort to win a championship, and Barry will bring a team together that can accomplish the goal.”

“The quality of play and level of talent is increasing in leaps and bounds in the CEBL, so there is a lot to be excited about.” said Rattlers General Manager, Barry Rawlyk “We built momentum with our performance last season, and certainly energized our fans and fueled interest in the team. People came away from the games entertained by the pace and competitiveness of the team, so I am looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players to meet a challenge of bringing a championship back to Saskatchewan.”

Canadian Elite Basketball League free agency opens on February 1st 2023 with player announcements to follow. The 2023 CEBL schedule has been released. 

General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2023 season by using Account Manager. Season tickets range from $363 in the silver section to $825 for courtside baseline row 2 (All courtside row 1 offers are sold out). All tickets can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. Single game tickets will be available later this spring. For more seating options, suites, and group rates; fans can contact an account executive.

All games including playoffs will be live-streamed on CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, and on CEBL Mobile, the official app of the CEBL (available on Android and iOS devices)

About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 71 percent of its 2022 roster being Canadian Players bringing experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Nine players have moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season, and 28 CEBL players have attended NBA G League training camps during October. The CEBL runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, & YouTube.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Rattlers professional basketball team - visit therattlers.ca.