Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced Tuesday that they have signed American forward Malik Benlevi for the 2022 CEBL season. Benlevi played four years with Georgia State, winning the Sun Belt conference and leading the team to NCAA March Madness back to back. He played with five professional teams averaging 7.5 points, and 4.0 rebounds in 98 professional games. Most recently played in the NBA G League, playing for the Iowa Wolves (2021-22), and Salt Lake City Stars (2019-20, 2020-21).

Prior to his time at Georgia State University, Benlevi led Jenkins Highschool to their first state championship in his senior year (2014-15). Benlevi earned Region 1-AAA Player of the Year and All-State First-Team. Starting his collegiate career with Georgia State (2015-16 ) averaging 1.8 points, 0.2 assists, 1.0 rebounds, and 8.3 minutes in 28 games. In his second year (2016-17) Georgia State earned 2nd place for their season record of 12 wins and 6 losses. During this season, Benlevi averaged 8.5 points, 1.0 assist, 4.2 rebounds, and 26.2 minutes in 33 games. As a junior (2017-18), Benlevi was named captain averaging 9.6 points, 1.7 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 35.3 minutes in 34 games. Georgia State earned 2nd place for their season record of 12 wins and 6 losses again, won the Sun Belt Tournament, and made a first round appearance in NCAA March Madness. As a second-year captain and senior (2018-19), he averaged 11.8 points, 0.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 32.2 minutes in 34 games. Georgia State earned 1st place for their season record of 13 wins and 5 loses, won another Sun Belt Tournament, and made another first round appearance in NCAA March Madness. Benlevi earned MVP of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and named All-Tournament First Team.

Starting his professional career, Benlevi signed a contract with Ostioneros Guaymas of CIBACOPA Mexico League in 2019 playing 20 games averaging 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He played three games in 2019 Eurobasket Summer League with Santa Cruz where he averaged 14 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Benlevi began his career in the NBA G League in 2019-20 with Salt Lake City Stars averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 18.5 minutes in 37 games. During this season, Benlevi scored a career-high 29 points (Feb 13th). He played his second year with Salt Lake City Stars (2020-21) averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 19.7 minutes in 11 games. Benlevi most recently played for the Iowa Wolves where he averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 16.1 minutes in 27 games. During this season he set his career-high at 5 blocks per game.

“Malik is a dynamic player whose skill set can affect every possession for us.” said Rattlers Assistant Coach Tanner Massey. “He can play in the post, beat you off the bounce, and knock it down from 3-point range at a high rate. Malik is a competitor who has played integral roles on championship teams. We look forward to his impact for us this season.”

“Very excited to be a part of the Rattlers, meet the coaching staff, and my teammates”, said Benlevi. “Can’t wait to get to Saskatchewan, so we can win the CEBL Championship.”

The Rattlers will begin their 2022 CEBL season on May 25th at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. All tickets can be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website , or via Ticketmaster .

About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)

The CEBL begins its fourth season on May 25. A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us (@cebleague) on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube .

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