Defensive Stalwart Returns To The Rattlers For The 2021 Season
SASKATOON, SK - The Saskatchewan Rattlers , member club of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), are excited to announce the re-signing of Canadian forward Denzell Taylor .
Taylor joined the Rattlers in 2020 and was a constant presence on the court over the course of the 2020 CEBL Summer Series . The forward shot a league-leading 61.5% from the field over the course of six games and served as the Rattlers captain. The Toronto, Ont.-native has also played with the Moncton Magic (National Basketball League of Canada) for three seasons (2017-2020). Over the course of his four-year professional career, the 6-foot-7 forward has averaged 5.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 24.9 minutes. Taylor has received plaudits for his defensive prowess, being named to the NBLC All-Defensive team in 2019-20 and 2018-19. Taylor was also named to the NBLC All-Canadian Second Team in 2019-20 and 2018-19. Taylor has also represented Canada on the international stage when he was part of the team that competed at the U19 World Cup in 2013.
Prior to turning pro, Taylor attended Old Dominion University (NCAA Division 1) for four years. Taylor finished his collegiate career in 2017, averaging 3.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 26.6 minutes per game. Starting the majority of his collegiate career, Taylor amassed 928 total rebounds placing him 10th all-time in the Old Dominion University history. Taylor was named to the 2017 C-USA (Conference USA) All-Defensive Team in his senior year.
“We are thrilled to have Denzell re-join our team”, said Rattlers GM Barry Rawlyk . “Denzell is not only a workhorse on both ends of the court, but also a calming presence in the locker room. We are excited to have him back for this season as he will continue to be a key member of our squad both on and off the court.”
“I’m excited to get back to the Rattlers for a second year”, said Taylor. “ It’s a great organization and a great group of people and I’m excited to get into Saskatoon and get to work.”
The CEBL is preparing for its third season in 2021 starting June 5, following the success of this past year's CEBL Summer Series in St. Catharines, Ont., which saw millions of viewers across Canada and around the world tune in starting July 25, to watch 26 games played over 15 days in a single-site league competition. The CEBL became the first professional sports league in Canada to return to play after the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in mid-March shut down sports across the country. For more information on the Rattlers, visit therattlers.ca.
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About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 80 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players come from the 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 typically runs from May through August. Head to more information on CEBL.ca or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Linkedin, Facebook & YouTube (@cebleague).
Media Contact
Raúl García
Director, Operations
Saskatchewan Rattlers
(306)-591-7265