Forward Benlevi Returning With Associate Coach Massey From Finland to Rattlers

A Georgia guy will have Saskatchewan on his mind again this summer.

Savannah product and Georgia State grad Malik Benlevi is returning for a second summer season in the C-E-B-L with the Rattlers. The forward played in all games for the Snakes in 2022 – 20 regular-season and both playoff contests – leading Saskatchewan in game winning shots with three and steals with 18. Benlevi is a six-year professional and has played for five different teams in Mexico, the N-B-A G-League, Finland and the C-E-B-L. Benlevi is currently playing in Finland with Rattlers’ associate coach Tanner Massey at the helm of that squad. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..

The Saskatchewan Rattlers announced Friday that they have re-signed American forward Malik Benlevi to their roster for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.

Benlevi led the Rattlers in game winning shots (3), steals (18), and games played (all 20 games + both playoff games). Benlevi was recognized by the team for his work on and off the court by earning the 2022 Mr. Saskatoon Award and 2022 Clutch Player of the Year Award. Benlevi is currently playing in Finland with BC Nokia (Korisliiga) alongside Rattlers associate head coach Tanner Massey.

During his professional career, Benlevi has played six seasons with five professional teams in Mexico, NBA G League, Finland, and the CEBL. Benlevi has a career average of 8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 21.7 minutes in 150 professional games.

Canadian Elite Basketball League free agency has opened with more player announcements to follow. The 2023 CEBL schedule has been released with the Rattlers season opener scheduled for May 31^st 2023 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, SK.

General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2023 season by using Account Manager. Season tickets include 10 home games and one playoff game, starting at $363 (All courtside row 1 offers are sold out). Half season tickets include five home games, starting at $175. 3-game bundles are available now, starting at $84. 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.

“We are excited to have Malik return to Sask this summer.” said Tanner Massey “Malik provided positional flexibility and a competitive spirit last season which helped us to win many games. Along with those, Malik is a great teammate who people enjoy being around. He is an invaluable piece to what we are trying to build further upon this summer.”

“I am really excited to be returning for my second year with the Rattlers and build on from last year.” said Benlevi “Can’t wait to get back to work with the staff. Ready to have a great summer and try to bring a championship back to Saskatoon.”

Benlevi signed his first professional contract in 2019 with Ostioneros Guaymas of CIBACOPA Mexico League playing 20 games and averaging 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He played three games in the 2019 Eurobasket Summer League with Santa Cruz where he averaged 14 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Benlevi began his career in the NBA G League in 2019-20 with the Salt Lake City Stars averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 18.5 minutes in 37 games. During this season, Benlevi scored a career-high 29 points (Feb 13^th). In his second year (2020-21) he averaged 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 19.7 minutes in 11 games. In 2021-22 he played for the Iowa Wolves where he averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 16.1 minutes in 27 games. During this season he set his career-high of 5 blocks per game. Benlevi made his CEBL debut in 2022 with the Rattlers where he averaged 11.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 46% from the field playing 31.5 minutes in 22 games. The Rattlers forward tied his career high of 12 rebounds on June 26 in a win at SaskTel Centre over the Montreal Alliance.

Prior to his professional career, Benlevi attended Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia. Benlevi led Jenkins to their first state championship in his senior year (2014-15), he also earned Region 1-AAA Player of the Year and All-State First-Team. During his four-year collegiate career, Benlevi averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 26.3 minutes in 129 games for the Georgia State University Panthers. During his junior and senior season, he was named team captain. He led the team to two Sun Belt Conference Championships, and two first-round NCAA March Madness appearances. To close out his college career, Benlevi was named Most Outstanding Player of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and named All-Tournament First Team.