Rattlers Announce Selections From C-E-B-L U Sports Draft Ahead of 2023 Season

Selections from the 2023 C-E-B-L U Sports Draft were announced Wednesday with the Saskatchewan Rattlers going with a familiar face and a Regina product.

The Snakes’ 2022 Sixth Man of the Year, Anthony Tsegakele, was taken with the fifth pick in the first round of the draft by the Rattlers. With the sixth pick in the second round, the Snakes added U of Alberta performer Isaac Simon, a Regina native. Folliowing is the news release from the Saskatchewan Rattlers…..

The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced Wednesday their selections in the 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Draft. Saskatchewan selected the 2022 Rattlers Sixth Man of the Year, Anthony Tsegakele with the fifth pick in the first round of the draft. With the sixth pick in the second round, the Rattlers add Saskatchewan local Isaac Simon. The CEBL U SPORTS Draft gives 20 student-athletes from 17 Canadian universities the opportunity to practice and compete with professional players from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international teams.

Anthony Tsegakele returns to the Rattlers for his second season, signing a standard professional contract, after completing his junior year with Brandon University. Prior to his collegiate debut, the Gatineau Quebec-native competed at Thetford Academy – the alma mater of current Toronto Raptor, Chris Boucher. Tsegakele joined Canada West’s Brandon Bobcats in the 2019-20 season. Known for his energy around the rim, Tsegakele has finished his Brandon Bobcats career averaging 11.5 rebounds per game over three seasons; top spot for the Brandon Bobcats, top 2 in all of Canada West, and top 5 in all of U SPORTS over the last three seasons. During his collegiate career, he has been named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team (2019-20), Canada West Rookie of the Year (2019-20), Canada West All-Rookie Team (2019-20), Canada West All-Star 3^rd Team (2021-22), Jerry Hemmings Award as Brandon Men’s Basketball Most Valuable Player (2019-20, 2021-22), Canada West All-Star 1^st Team (2022-23), Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, and R.J. McCarthy Award as Brandon University’s Most Outstanding Male Athlete.

Tsegakele finished the 2022-23 season averaging 18.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 32.8 minutes in 23 games. Under the leadership of Anthony Tsegakele, Brandon finished their season with a record of 13-9, including a seven game win-streak in November 2022 and a Canada West playoff run. Named Canada West Athlete of the Week multiple times for his performance this season, Tsegakele tied his career-high 33 points (Nov 5) and 19 rebounds (Jan 13). He scored 430 points in the season, which ranked Tsegakele as Brandon’s leading scorer and 13^th in all of U SPORTS. Anthony Tsegakele returns to the CEBL for his third season this summer.

“Anthony is coming off a sensational U SPORTS season, where he received recognition as one of the country’s top student-athletes in Men’s Basketball.” said Rattlers General Manager, Barry Rawlyk “He played a significant role in the success of our team as a U SPORTS developmental player last season, and is expected to come in and play an even larger role with the team this year.”

Isaac Simon joins the Rattlers after his first year with the University of Alberta. Prior to his collegiate debut the Regina, Saskatchewan-native competed with Harvest City Christian Academy where they won city and provincial championships during his senior season in 2022. Simon joined Canada West’s Alberta Golden Bears for the 2022-23 season. In his collegiate career debut Simon averaged 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 23.5 minutes in 27 games. He was named to the Canada West All-Rookie Team and recognized by the University of Alberta as Male Rookie of the Year.

As a rookie, Simon helped lead the Golden Bears to a 15-5 record. He played all 27 games while starting 16 games of the season. He ranked top 5 on the Golden Bears in total minutes played (634), percentage from the field (.500), total rebounds (99), and total assists (59). The first year guard set his single-game career-highs this season – 21 points (Dec 29), 10 rebounds (Jan 6), 8 assists (Nov 11), and 3 steals (Jan 14). Issac Simon makes his CEBL debut in his return to Saskatchewan this summer.

“Isaac established himself as one of the top newcomers to U SPORTS Men’s Basketball last season by quickly establishing an important role for the University of Alberta.” said Rattlers General Manager, Barry Rawlyk “We are thrilled to have a Saskatchewan-born player of his caliber on our roster this season, as his future is very bright. Not only are both Anthony and Isaac terrific basketball players, they are outstanding young men that will be tremendous ambassadors in the community for the Saskatchewan Rattlers.”