NCCA Experienced Guard Emmanuel Bandoumel Signs With Rattlers

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club signed six-foot-four Quebec City, QC native Emmanuel Bandoumel for the 2024 season. The NCAA-experienced guard makes his CEBL debut with the Saskatchewan Rattlers this season.

“Emmanuel is a player we were in hot pursuit of signing while he was coming out of college last year – but unfortunately he sustained an injury prior to the CEBL season,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “He worked hard at a full recovery and has put together a solid season playing over in Denmark. He will surprise some people with his athleticism and his ability to score.”

Bandoumel made his professional debut during the 2023-24 season in Denmark, playing with the Svendborg Rabbits of Basketligaen averaging 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 27.5 minutes playing in seven games. He is currently ranked in the top five on the roster in field goal percentage (50.0%), three-point percentage (45.8%), rebounds per game (3.7), and assists per game (2.1). 

Prior to his professional career, Bandoumel attended Jean-De-Brebeuf High School in Montreal, Quebec. He made his collegiate debut playing with the Hill College Rebels of the NJCAA, where he started in 27 of 30 games averaging 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 53.0% from the field. As a sophomore, he made his NCAA debut with Southern Methodist University (SMU), playing in all 30 games with 18 starts before the season was cut short by COVID-19. Bandoumel returned to SMU for his junior and senior year, where he started in 50 consecutive games averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 29.9 minutes. In his final SMU season, the Mustangs finished in second in the AAC Conference during the regular season with 13 wins and four losses.

For his final NCAA season, Bandoumel transferred to Nebraska starting in 20 consecutive games – where he averaged 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 31.1 minutes. Before his mid-season injury, the Huskers were ranked in the top 35 nationally for their defense which was largely due to Bandoumel pressure on the defensive end. 

“I’m extremely excited to start my CEBL career with Saskatchewan,” said Bandoumel. “Barry and Coach Larry saw something in me and they were willing to give me the opportunity to show my potential, which I am thankful for! I hope to make the fans cheer all summer long with some good basketball. See you soon!”

Bandoumel joins the 2024 roster which includes Cody John, Maurice Calloo, Adong Makuoi, and 2023 Rattlers Defensive Player of the Year - Anthony Tsegakele. The Rattlers are led by Head Coach Larry Abney, who joins Saskatchewan from the Los Angeles Clippers organization. 

The full 2024 Rattlers schedule has been released, which features a full 20-game slate with one potential home playoff game and Championship Weekend (CW24) happening in Montréal, QC from August 9-11, 2024.

General public and returning season ticket members can claim their seats for the entire Rattlers 2024 season by using Account Manager. Season tickets range from $175 in the value section to $850 for courtside row 2 (All row 1 options are sold out). Single Game Tickets are available by utilizing the Flex Ticket Bundles. 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.

About the Saskatchewan Rattlers
The Saskatchewan Rattlers are Saskatchewan’s professional basketball team, one of the six original teams in the CEBL – the Rattlers won the 2019 inaugural season championship. Playing out of SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – the Rattlers offer an entertainment-focused environment surrounded by some of the world’s top professional athletes. The Rattlers are a community-first organization and take pride in their ability to bring communities together while making sport more accessible to the province.

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 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season 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