Rattlers Sign Journeyman Forward Kennedy Ahead of 2023 C-E-B-L Season

A Saskatchewan-based professional sports team continued signing players Friday in advance of their training camp later this month in Saskatoon.

On this occasion, it’s the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Rattlers, and not the C-F-L’s Roughriders, making the news. The Snakes announced the signing of Canadian forward Jermel Kennedy. The Ontario product is joining his fourth different C-E-B-L team in as many years, having previously played for Guelph in 2019, Hamilton in 2020 and Newfoundland in 2022. In eight professional seasons, Kennedy has played for 12 teams in Spain, England, Portugal, France, Argentina and Africa, in addition to the C-E-B-L. The Rattlers open the 2023 season on May 31 at SaskTel Centre against the Vancouver Bandits with training camp to begin shortly before that. Following is the news release from the Saskatchewan Rattlers…..

The Saskatchewan Rattlers – The Saskatchewan Rattlers announced Friday that they have signed Canadian forward Jermel Kennedy to their roster for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Kennedy returns to the CEBL for his fourth season.

“Jermel is a welcome addition to our roster as he brings extensive experience in the CEBL and international basketball.” said Rattler General Manager Barry Rawlyk “His maturity and experience will be a steadying influence both on the court and in the locker room. Jermel is a versatile player that will bring a lot of flexibility to our lineup.”

“I’m really looking forward to competing this summer.” said Kennedy “Excited to represent the Rattlers, hopefully we can bring the championship back to Saskatchewan.”

During his professional career, Kennedy has played eight seasons with 12 professional teams in Spain, England, Portugal, France, Argentina, Africa, and the CEBL. Kennedy has a career average of 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 27.7 minutes in 260 professional games.

Kennedy first entered the CEBL in the inaugural season by signing with the Guelph Nighthawks in 2019. Kennedy signed with the Nighthawks after the season started, making his CEBL debut on July 4^th against the Vancouver Bandits with a stat line of nine points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 30 minutes. With Guelph, Kennedy averaged 5.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 19.4 minutes in nine games. During the 2020 CEBL Summer Series, the Brampton Honey Badgers signed Jermel Kennedy. In his second season in the CEBL, Kennedy averaged 2.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 15.0 minutes in eight games. During the 2021-22 season, Kennedy joined Ferroviario de Beira for the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) season. The Basketball Africa League was introduced by the NBA and FIBA, highlighting African basketball players with the addition of two non-African players per roster. Kennedy helped lead Ferroviario to the quarter finals averaging 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 31.0 minutes in 12 games with the team. In 2022, The Newfoundland Growlers signed Kennedy. He was recognized by the team with the Unsung Hero Award. Kennedy averaged 7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 27.7 minutes in 19 games. In his eighth year as a pro, he just finished playing with the Newcastle Eagles in the British Basketball League in England where he led the team to a quarter-final playoff finish. Kennedy averaged 6.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 23.9 minutes in 37 games.

Prior to his professional career, Kennedy attended Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario. In 2008 the Ontario-native began his college career with Iowa Central Community College in NJCAA playing in 26 games averaging 4.3 points, and 3.8 rebounds. He transferred to Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) for the 2009-10 season playing in 27 games averaging 11.7 points, and 8.2 rebounds. For the 2010-11 season, Kennedy joined the Lander University Bearcats in NCAA D2 where he played two seasons averaging 10.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 29.8 minutes in 53 games.