Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced Monday that they have signed Canadian forward Irshaad Hunte for the 2022 CEBL season. The forward joins the team with 4 years of college basketball experience averaging 12.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 102 games.

Hunte started his collegiate career with Central Wyoming Collegiate (2016-17) averaging 16 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assist in 30 games. In his second year he was named First Team all-region and set the school record in rebounds in a season. During this season, Hunte averaged 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 30 games. He left Central Wyoming ranking third in career points, and free throws made. He then transferred to NCAA Division 1 Texas A&M (2018-19), where he averaged 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in 32 games. He collected a season-high 10 rebounds against Howard Payne and defended the paint with a season-high 4 blocks versus UT-Rio Valley. As a junior, he averaged 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 30 games for Texas A&M (2019-20). He scored a season-high 18 points (Jan 4), grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds (Feb 1), and secured a season-high 4 blocks (March 7). Prior to his collegiate career, Hunte played professionally with Calero de Potosi (Bolivia – Libobasquet) averaging 12 points, and 8.5 rebounds in 2 professional games.

“We are fortunate to have signed a player with Irshaad's athleticism and energy.” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “This is his first experience in the CEBL, and we know he is hungry to prove himself in this league. Irshaad is also a real community-minded guy and will very quickly become a fan favorite.”

“I’m stoked to play in the CEBL and on the Saskatchewan Rattlers.”, said Hunte. “I am excited to meet the players and staff I’m going to be with, and to see where I can learn from them and grow.”

The Rattlers will begin their 2022 CEBL season on May 25th at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. All tickets, including single games, can be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website , or via Ticketmaster .

About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)

The CEBL begins its fourth season on May 25. A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 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 , and YouTube .

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