D’Andre Bernard is the first player signed by the Saskatchewan Rattlers for the 2022 Canadian Elite Basketball League season.

The 25-year-old forward played last season with the Snakes and recently suited up with the reigning C-E-B-L-champion Edmonton Stingers in the Basketball Champions League Americas in Nicaragua. The 6-foot-8 Bernard calls Ajax, Ontario, home and is a 2020 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced Friday that they have resigned Canadian forward D’Andre Bernard for the 2022 CEBL season. The forward rejoins the team after competing on the Edmonton Stingers roster representing the Canadian Elite Basketball League in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) in Nicaragua.

Bernard’s athleticism and height were showcased in the 2021 CEBL season. Bernard kept games exciting while contributing with rebounds, blocks, and dunks. Prior to his time with the Saskatchewan Rattlers, Bernard had a successful collegiate career playing for a number of programs. Bernard began his collegiate career at the University of North Florida in 2015-16. He then transferred to Georgia Highlands where he played two seasons. As a sophomore, he averaged 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 25 games for Georgia Highlands, including a career-high 27 points at Gadsden State. As a junior with East Tennessee State, he helped the Buccaneers to a 20-10 record, including a postseason tournament trip. The 6-foot-8 forward can stretch the defence at the three-point line. He has shot 31 percent from the three-point range and 46 percent from the floor. Bernard made a trip to the Region 17 NJCAA national championship in Hutchinson with the Georgia Highlands Chargers that went 32-2 during the 2016-17 season. He averaged 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists from the bench. In his senior year at the University of Louisiana Monroe, Bernard averaged 3.1 points, 0.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 24 games.

“D’Andre is another exciting addition to the 2022 team”, said Rattlers Vice President Brad Kraft. “D’Andre is certainly a big body on the court, but his speed and athleticism, combined with his shooting ability make him a threat whenever the ball is in his hands. We are excited for his return.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be back in Sask repping green and gold!”, said Bernard. “The fans here are great and deserve to see the Rattlers competing at a championship level! I’m excited to be a part of the process and want to bring a forever lasting winning culture to the city and province!”