What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
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The Saskatchewan Rattlers are looking to the NBA ranks to fill their head-coaching vacancy.
The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team announced veteran NBA assistant coach Dean Demopoulos as its new head coach Wednesday.
“The Rattlers are working their way back to our 2019 championship year. We are rebuilding this season, from the front office to above the rim and are excited to see Dean Demopoulos bring a winning atmosphere to this province,” Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft said in a team media release.
Demopoulos, originally from Philadelphia, makes his way to Saskatchewan after an extensive coaching career that saw him debut on the hardwood in 1983 at Temple University. During his 17 years with Temple, the team posted a winning record of 393-151 and made it to the annual NCAA March Madness Tournament 16 times.
Demopoulos then served as the head coach of Kansas City Roos in 2000 before going to the NBA.
Demopoulos served as an assistant coach with the Seattle Supersonics in 2001 under Nate McMillan and then went on to be a part of the Portland Trail Blazers coaching staff in 2005. Five seasons later, Demopoulos moved to Los Angeles to coach the Clippers where he stayed until 2013.
The 67-year-old signed on as the head coach of Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League in 2015. His latest post was an assistant coach in the NBA G League for the Grand Rapids Drive during the 2018-19 season.
“I am excited to join the Saskatchewan Rattlers,” Demopoulos said in the news release. “I am very thankful for this head coach opportunity and look forward to building the game in Canada.”