Rattlers Add Depth to Roster Ahead of Playoff Push

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that the club signed 6-foot-8 James Montgomery and 6-foot-4 Jeremiah Mordi for the remainder of the 2024 season. The duo will make their CEBL debuts on Friday in a match-up against the Scarborough Shooting Stars at SaskTel Centre. 

During his five-year collegiate career, Montgomery has played in NCAA DII with Molloy University and Barry University. He has a collegiate career average of 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 20.3 minutes in 95 games.

“We are really excited to add a young talent like James to the roster,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “He brings a high level of athleticism and energy to the court, and we know that he will compete and leave it all out there every night. He is another guy of great character that will blend well into our team”

Montgomery is coming off a stand-out year with Barry University starting in all 27 games while averaging 16.4 points, and a team-high 11.8 rebounds in 31.4 minutes played. As a senior, Montgomery earned himself Sunshine State All-First Team. The East Rockaway New York-native was named ECC All-First Team and NABC All-District East Second Team while with Molly as a sophomore averaging 17.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 31.9 minutes in 11 games played. Montgomery will make his professional debut with the Rattlers.

“I’m excited to get to Sask and get to work right away with the team,” said Montgomery. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come and make an impact with the Rattlers in the rest of the season on the way to playoffs.”

During his six-year professional career, Mordi has played with five teams in Canada, France, Africa, and the NBA G League. He has a career average of 12.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 31.5 minutes in 204 games.

“Jeremiah brings a lot of experience and maturity to our line-up,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Although he is a mid-season addition, he will bring some strong leadership and be a stabilizing influence to our relatively young roster. He is a high character guy and will become fan favourite very quickly.”

Mordi is coming off a stand-out season where he played alongside former Saskatchewan Rattler, Mike Nuga. The season ended with winning the championship, Mordi contributed with 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 35.6 minutes in 29 games played. Prior to his professional debut, Mordi played five seasons with Queens College in the NCAA DII while averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 34.9 minutes in 68 games played

“I’m thankful to Barry Rawlyk and the Rattlers organization for this opportunity,” said Mordi. “I’m looking forward to connecting with the coaching staff and my new teammates as we make this playoff push.”

The Rattlers play five more games leading up to Championship Weekend (CW24) happening in Montréal, QC from August 9-11, 2024.

Premium seat options are available including VIP tables, Luxury Suites, and the Rattlers Courtside Lounge. All tickets options can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. For more seating options, and partnership opportunities; fans can contact Graham Forrester (Senior Account Executive)  or Ivan Brown (Director of Partnerships).

About the Saskatchewan Rattlers

The Saskatchewan Rattlers are Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, one of the six

original teams in the CEBL – the Rattlers won the 2019 inaugural season championship. Playing out of SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – the Rattlers offer an entertainment-focused environment surrounded by some of the world’s top professional athletes. The Rattlers are a community-first organization and take pride in their ability to bring communities together while making sport more accessible to the province.

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 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season 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