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Halifax Rainmen Sign CIS Talent

September 9, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Halifax Rainmen News Release


The Halifax Rainmen are excited to announce the signing of a pair of young, Canadian players who starred in the CIS.

Robert Nortmann is an athletic 6'7 PF/C out of Halifax's Dalhousie University, where he starred as a Senior, averaging 14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds over 21 games, was named to the 2011-12 All-AUS 2nd Team and helped lead the Tigers to two AUS Championships (2009, 2011). Robert played professionally in Australia last season, averaging 18.1 points on 54% FG shooting, along with 8.7 rebounds in 18 games with the Maitland Mustangs. Born in the Bahamas, Robert grew up in the Toronto area.

Rainmen Head Coach Chris Terrell had the following to say about Nortmann:

"Robert is a local legend in Halifax and dominated the AUS during his Senior season. A second year pro with a very bright future, what really stands out about Robert is his drive, dedication and commitment to the game. His work ethic and motor are his strengths, as he never quits battling and competing at a high level. Rainmen GM Andre Levingston first told me about this player after seeing him dominate St. FX University twice in 2011-12, as he averaged 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds over two games against the X-Men that season. We're very excited that Robert, still so young in his professional career, has decided to return to his home country of Canada and the East Coast that he proudly represented from 2006-12 at Dalhousie."

Michael Smith is a 6'2 guard out of Brandon University in Manitoba, where he was one of the leading 3 point shooters in the CIS. Last season (2012-13) he averaged 9.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 steals over 16 games with Brandon, and was second on his team with 26 3's made. In 2011-12 he played in 20 games with Brandon, averaging 7.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.4 steals, while shooting 38% from 3. A native of Brampton, Ontario, Michael played at the University of Regina before transferring to Brandon in 2011, and he speaks fluent Italian.

Rainmen Head Coach Chris Terrell commented on Smith:

"Michael is a natural 3 point specialist, as he possesses a natural smooth and quick release and does a good job of getting open for his shot. Opposing teams will not want to leave him open from beyond the arc. Michael also has good quickness for size, can handle the ball and can also defend opposing point and shooting guards. We feel that Michael, at only 24 years old, will thrive in the NBLC as he gains additional experience. We're thrilled that Michael chose Halifax as the club that he begins his professional career with".

To reserve season tickets, please contact Amber Davis at 902.444.7246 ext 26.

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