Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that they have welcomed back Maryland-native guard Bruce Massey for the remainder of the 2022 CEBL season. Massey has nine years of professional experience – playing in the NBA G League, international leagues, and played with the Saskatchewan Rattlers in 2019. The 2019 CEBL MVP front runner returns to the Saskatchewan Rattlers in their pursuit to finish the season off strong.

Prior to his professional career, Massey played for Middle Tennessee State University (NCAA) averaging 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds in 68 collegiate games. During his senior season he averaged 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 34 games earning the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year (2013) and All-Sun Belt Third Team (2013). Massey helped lead the Blue Raiders to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 24 years. He had NBA Pre-Draft Workouts with the Washington Wizards prior to being drafted to the NBA D-League (now NBA G League).

Starting his professional career, Massey signed with the Springfield Armor of the NBA G League where he played 36 games averaging 5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in his first season. Massey spent the next four NBA G League seasons with the Grand Rapids Drive (now Grand Rapids Gold) and Erie Bayhawks averaging 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in a total of 63 games during his NBA G League career. Massey spent the next four seasons playing in Mexico, Canada, Ukraine, and Turkey. Notably playing 11 games with the 2019 Saskatchewan Rattlers in the CEBL, where he was the front runner for the MVP race. Massey averaged 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.0 steals. Massey was fourth for points per game, fourth for assists per game, and second in steals per game in 2019 CEBL League Leaders. Massey left the Saskatchewan Rattlers before the conclusion of the season in 2019 for an opportunity in Ukraine.

“I am very pleased to be able to add Bruce to the roster for the home stretch of our schedule,” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “He brings a lot of high-quality professional basketball experience to the team. Bruce is a gritty competitor who really understands the game and he will make everyone around him better. I have held him in very high regard ever since I had the opportunity to work with him during the 2019 season when I was able to witness his compete level and talent first-hand.”

“Returning to the Rattlers feels great,” said Massey. “I’m excited to get on the basketball court with this group of players. I believe my vet leadership can help the team. The goal is to finish the season strong and get ready to make a run in the playoffs.”

The last home game for the Rattlers is on Thursday July 21st taking place at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. All tickets can be purchased at the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster.

A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube .