Somto Dimanochie Signs with Saskatchewan Rattlers

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that the club signed 6-foot-8 Somto Dimanochie for the 2024 season. The Canadian forward made his professional debut in 2022 after being selected by the Edmonton Stingers in the CEBL Draft. The York University alumni returns for his third CEBL season with the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

“Somto is a player with great potential that ran into some injury problems last year in the CEBL,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “He brings a combination of size and athleticism that is rare in this league. We look for him to raise the level of competition on our team.”

Dimanochie played two consecutive seasons with the Edmonton Stingers; 2022 11th overall pick, and 2023 fourth overall pick. During his time in the CEBL, he averaged 2.5 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 5.9 minutes in 13 games. His 2023 season was cut short due to injury, and he spent the 2023-24 season training for his return. 

Prior to his professional debut, Dimanochie played four seasons with OUA’s York University Lions averaging 11.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 25.3 minutes playing 67 games with 61 appearances in the starting lineup. During his third season with the Lions, he grabbed a total of 140 rebounds which was ranked second in the OUA and first on the team. He averaged 20.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 31.0 minutes in 20 games during his final season. Closing out his time with York, he put up two career-best 32 point performances which led to him earning Team MVP honours. He was dominant as a senior in the OUA, ranked seventh for points per game (20.3), third for total blocks (33), and second for rebounds per game (11.3). 

“I am excited for the opportunity, and excited for this new challenge,” said Dimanochie. “I can’t wait to meet the Rattlers fans this year.”

Somto Dimanochie joins the newly assembled roster consisting of Bryson Williams, Elijah Harkless, Emmanuel Bandoumel, Cody John, Maurice Calloo, Adong Makuoi, and 2023 Rattlers Defensive Player of the Year - Anthony Tsegakele. The Rattlers added three familiar faces concluding the 2024 CEBL Draft with Alexander Dewar, Isaac Simon, and Elias Ralph with the third-overall pick. The franchise will continue to unveil the 2024 roster leading up to their Training Camp in mid-May.

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.

Individual game tickets range from $20 in the Fang Zone section to $95 for seating in courtside row 2 (All row 1 options are sold out). Flex Ticket Bundles and Group tickets can be purchased to access bulk discounts. Season tickets range from $175 in the Fang Zone to $850 for courtside row 2 (All row 1 options are sold out). Premium seat options are available including VIP tables, Luxury Suites, and the Rattlers Courtside Lounge. All ticket options can also be purchased through the Rattlers Front Office (306) 244-2181, Saskatchewan Rattlers website, or via Ticketmaster. Current season ticket members can manage their seats by using Account Manager. For more seating options, and partnership opportunities; fans can contact an account executive or Ivan Brown (Director of Partnerships).

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