Rawlyk returns as Rattlers’ general manager for 2023 season

The Saskatchewan Rattlers have brought back general manager Barry Rawlyk for the 2023 season.

Rawlyk, who has been with the Canadian Elite Basketball League team from the start and was the lead assistant in 2019 during the Rattlers’ championship run, will serve as general manager for the fourth straight season, the team announced Tuesday.

“Bringing Barry back as GM for 2023 was an easy decision after our successful rebuild in 2022,” Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft said in a release.

Kraft said Rawlyk is one of the best when it comes to recruiting players, and noted that the team was looking for consistency in order to get back to its championship ways.

Rawlyk is no stranger to the Saskatchewan basketball scene. He spent more than two decades as a coach at Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School, winning multiple city and provincial championships. Rawlyk was also head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s program from 2012 until his departure in 2022.

Last season, Saskatchewan also brought in head coach Dean Demopoulos, who has previous NBA experience. According to the team, Rawlyk was instrumental in making that happen.

“We built momentum with our performance last season, and certainly energized our fans and fueled interest in the team,” Rawlyk said.

“I am looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players to meet a challenge of bringing a championship back to Saskatchewan.”

The Rattlers open the 2023 season at home on May 31, taking on the Vancouver Bandits.