Rattlers re-sign pair of key players for upcoming season

After rebounding last season from two tough years, the Saskatchewan Rattlers have brought back a couple of key pieces of last year’s team.

The team re-signed Malik Benlevi and Mike Nuga, and both will be coming back for their second season with the Rattlers.

Last year, Benlevi led the team in game-winning shots (three), steals (18) and games played (22).

“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 said in a statement.

Saskatchewan Rattlers guard Mike Nuga. (Derek Elvin/Saskatchewan Rattlers)

Nuga, who joined the team in the latter half of the season, was a spark-plug for the Rattlers, winning the 2022 award for Breakthrough Performance of the Year.

“I’m super excited to be back playing for Sask., I enjoyed my time here last season, even though it was short – I really felt at home. I love the people of the city and the love they showed back,” Nuga said in a team release.

Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft said he’s thrilled to have both guys back to help build off last season’s success.

“Really great community guys, both with great pedigrees of play and just fan favourites for a number of reasons,” Kraft said.

“They’re entertaining, they’re personable and they just have great charisma about them, and great guys in general.”

But the two signings were just a part of what the Rattlers are trying to build after bringing back three of the four coaches from last year’s staff – including head coach Dean Demopoulos.

“We really just are trying to build back that consistency so that we can get back into the championship talks this year,” Kraft said.

The team won the first Canadian Elite Basketball League Championship back in 2019.

The Rattlers will be back on the court this spring when the team opens its season on May 31 against the Vancouver Bandits.