CEBL Saskatoon Mamba

Anthony Tsegakele Returns to Rattlers

Published on February 22, 2024 under Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Saskatoon Mamba News Release


The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that the club has re-signed Gatineau, Quebec-native Anthony Tsegakele for the 2024 season. The Brandon University alumni and 2023 Rattlers Defensive Player of the Year returns for his fourth season in the CEBL.

"We are really happy to have Anthony returning to Saskatchewan this season. In his past two seasons here he has made significant progress in his game at the pro level," said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. "He is a big part of the long term plan we have for the development and retention of young professional players, so we are feeling very good about him re-signing. Anthony loves Saskatoon and our fan base. He is committed to delivering a championship to this province."

During his professional career, Tsegakele has played four seasons with five teams in Africa, France, and the CEBL. Tsegakele has a career average of 4.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 14.3 minutes in 45 games.

Tsegakele entered the CEBL as a U SPORTS Draft selection in three consecutive seasons; 2021 sixth overall pick by the Vancouver Bandits, 2022 fourth overall pick by the Saskatchewan Rattlers, and 2023 fifth overall pick by the Saskatchewan Rattlers. Coming off the bench in 2022, he provided versatility on offense and defense earning 2022 Rattlers Sixth Man of the Year.

Returning to the Rattlers in 2023, Tsegakele had a breakthrough season while matching up on defense with the best players on every team. He was second on the team in rebounds per game (5.2) and top-five in all defensive categories while playing only 15.5 minutes per game. Tsegakele earned 2023 Rattlers Defensive Player of the Year. During this past CEBL off-season, he joined Pazi BC during the BAL-qualifiers in Africa and Chorale Roanne of LNB Pro A in France.

"Sask is like a second home, I am excited to be back." said Tsegakele. "I can't wait to get back to work, reconnect with the fans and community. We are going to try to bring back a championship to Saskatchewan."

Prior to his professional debut, Tsegakele joined Canada West's Brandon Bobcats in the 2019-20 season. Known for his energy around the rim, Tsegakele finished his Brandon Bobcats career averaging 11.5 rebounds per game over three seasons: top spot for the Brandon Bobcats, top two in all of Canada West, and top five in all of U SPORTS over the last three seasons. During his collegiate career, he has been named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team (2019-20), Canada West Rookie of the Year (2019-20), Canada West All-Rookie Team (2019-20), Canada West All-Star 3rd Team (2021-22), Jerry Hemmings Award as Brandon Men's Basketball Most Valuable Player (2019-20, 2021-22), Canada West All-Star 1st Team (2022-23), Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, and R.J. McCarthy Award as Brandon University's Most Outstanding Male Athlete.

Tsegakele finished the 2022-23 season averaging 18.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 32.8 minutes in 23 games. Under the leadership of Anthony Tsegakele, Brandon finished their season with a record of 13-9, including a seven-game win-streak in November 2022 and a Canada West playoff run. He was named Canada West Athlete of the Week multiple times for his performance this season, tying his career-high 33 points (Nov. 5) and 19 rebounds (Jan. 13). He scored 430 points in the season, which ranked Tsegakele as Brandon's leading scorer and 13th in all of U SPORTS.

Prior to his collegiate debut, the Gatineau Quebec-native competed at Thetford Academy - the alma mater of current Toronto Raptor, Chris Boucher.

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