Bernard Returning For Record Third Season With Rattlers

A player who started his pro basketball career with the Saskatchewan Rattlers is coming back to Saskatoon in 2023.

That will make Canadian forward D’Andre Bernard the longest-tenured member of the Snakes in franchise history as he returns for a third season. Bernard played in every game for Saskatchewan in 2022, averaging 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..

The Saskatchewan Rattlers announced Tuesday that they have re-signed Canadian forward D’Andre Bernard to their roster for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Bernard was reliable for the Rattlers during the 2022 season leading the team in games played (all 20 games + both playoff games). Closing out the 2022 regular-season, Bernard put down a game-winning alley-oop dunk from Bruce Massey on July 29^th against the Montreal Alliance to secure home court advantage during the 2022 CEBL play-in games. Bernard returns for his third season with the Rattlers in 2023, celebrated as the longest held roster spot in franchise history.

Bernard has played professionally since 2021 with teams in Romania, CEBL, and Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) in Nicaragua. Bernard has a career average of 4.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 18.2 minutes in 44 professional games. During the CEBL offseason, Bernard entered the Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League Milwaukee Bucks affiliate) training camp roster, and he is currently playing in Romania with CSM Miercurea Ciuc (Romania Liga) in the same league as 2022 Rattlers’ teammate Massey.

“Having D’Andre return to Saskatchewan for a third summer proves how valuable he is for us both on and off the court” said Tanner Massey “D’Andre plays with a high motor and can contribute to winning in multiple ways. We also see there is opportunity for growth in Dre’s game, we are excited to get back to work with him.”

“Super excited to be back in Sask for a third year!” said Bernard “Loyalty is something that I am big on, and the fans have embraced me as one of their own. It makes it enjoyable each day knowing that I’m representing a great community and organization. I’m looking forward to adding to the success we had last season and chasing a championship.”

Bernard made his professional debut with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the 2021 season playing 13 games and averaging 6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.5 assist, and 19.4 minutes per game. He played two games with the 2021 Edmonton Stingers while representing the Canadian Elite Basketball League during BCLA in Nicaragua. He returned for his second season with the Rattlers in 2022 where he averaged 3.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 assist, and 16.5 minutes playing in all 22 games, grabbing a career-best three steals on May 29 against the Stingers.

Prior to his professional career, Bernard attended Bill Crothers Secondary in Unionville, Ontario. As a senior prep standout, he averaged 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. He was ranked the no. 1 prep player in the country and considered a top 10 prospect in Canada in 2015. Bernard began his collegiate career at the University of North Florida in 2015-16, transferring to Georgia Highlands College for the 2016-17 NJCAA season. During his two seasons with Georgia Highlands, he averaged 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.6 assist, and 9.2 minutes in 59 games. He made a trip to the Region 17 NJCAA national championship in Hutchinson with the Georgia Highlands Chargers that went 32-2 during the 2016-17 season. As a junior, Bernard joined East Tennessee State where he helped lead the Buccaneers to a 20-10 record, including a postseason tournament trip. As a senior, he transferred to the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he averaged 3.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 13.6 minutes in 24 games.