Mike Nuga Returns to the Saskatchewan Rattlers for his Second Season

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers announced Thursday that they have re-signed Canadian guard Mike Nuga to their roster for the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Nuga was recognized during the 2022 Rattlers Awards for Breakthrough Performance of the Year for his efforts on both ends of the court.

“We are all thrilled that Nuga will be back to build on his terrific showing last season.” said Rattlers head coach Dean Demopoulos “He brings tremendous competitiveness each and every second he is on the court both in games and practice. He combines that with speed and skill on both sides of the ball. We believe he can really be a main factor in building a winning environment. Great leadership and teammate. We are all thrilled.”

“I’m super excited to be back playing for Sask, I enjoyed my time her last season, even though it was short – I really felt at home.” said Nuga “I love the people of the city and the love they showed back. I enjoy playing for Coach Dean, Coach Tanner, and the organization. I’m ready to grow with the guys, get better daily, giving 110%, and chase a championship.”

Nuga made his professional debut in 2022 with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. He currently has a career average of 8.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 21.7 minutes in 19 professional games. He made his Rattlers on-court debut on July 12th at SaskTel Centre playing 10 minutes. Nuga played the remainder of the season, and appeared in the starting lineup for multiple games. He recorded a season-high 19 points while shooting 70% from two-point range (July 27th). Nuga is currently averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 23.9 minutes for the London Lightning.

Prior to his professional career, the Toronto-native attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nuga was the 2016 North Pole Hoops Showcase MVP prior to committing to Eastern Florida Junior College for the 2016-17 season. Nuga played two seasons with Eastern Florida averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 19.8 minutes in 54 games. In his freshman year, he helped lead the team to a 31-6 record and a national title game appearance. During his sophomore season, he led the team to a 30-5 record being named team MVP, first team All-Conference, and played in the JUCO all-star game. 

Nuga entered NCAA D1 as a junior with Portland State. During the 2018-19 season, he led the team with 10.5 points per game. Nuga transferred to Kent State for the 2019-20 season. He made his Kent State debut for the 2020-21 season as a senior averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 32.5 minutes in 13 games. He ranked second on the team in points per game, third in total three-points made (37), and scored a career-high 26 points vs. Western Michigan (Jan 9th). His season was cut short due to a knee injury. In his final NCAA D1 season, Nuga transferred to UNLV for the 2021-22 season to play with the Runnin’ Rebels. He started 23 games averaging 6.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 20.8 minutes in 31 games. Nuga finished his NCAA career averaging 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 23.0 minutes in 74 games. 

Canadian Elite Basketball League free agency has opened with more player announcements to follow. The 2023 CEBL schedule has been released with the Rattlers season opener scheduled for May 31st 2023 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, SK.

General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2023 season by using Account Manager. Season tickets include 10 home games and one playoff game, starting at $363 (All courtside row 1 offers are sold out). Half season tickets include five home games, starting at $175. 3-game bundles are available now, starting at $84. All tickets can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. Single game tickets will be available later this spring. For more seating options, suites, and group rates; fans can contact an account executive.

All games including playoffs will be live-streamed on CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, and on CEBL Mobile, the official app of the CEBL (available on Android and iOS devices)

About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 71 percent of its 2022 roster being Canadian Players bringing experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Nine players have moved from the CEBL into the NBA following a CEBL season, and 28 CEBL players have attended NBA G League training camps during October. The CEBL runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, & YouTube.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Rattlers professional basketball team - visit therattlers.ca.