The 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League season used to be a mystical time for the Saskatchewan Rattlers group and their president, Lee Genier.
Rapid ahead 5 years and Genier is chasing that very same feeling, returning to the franchise the place he gained all of it part a decade in the past.
“Six years in the past we introduced this staff, this league,” mentioned Genier. “We had a Cinderella, superb tale for 12 months one. We gained a championship, introduced a championship right here I’m going to mention towards all odds.”
“We want to fill this construction again in, carry the power again to that and win any other championship.”
On Thursday, the Rattlers officially introduced Genier has been introduced on as staff president forward of the 2024 season to serve in the similar function he did between 2018 and 2020.
As smartly, Genier used to be leader running officer of western operations for the CEBL right through the 2019 season overseeing Saskatchewan, Edmonton and Fraser Valley’s franchises.
In keeping with Genier, the chance to leap again into the native basketball scene is one thing he sought after to pursue whilst filling SaskTel Centre within the procedure.
“That is my fourth time again running on a mission right here in Saskatchewan,” mentioned Genier. “I really like the fanatics in Saskatchewan, I really like the eagerness right here as a result of individuals are so passionate. That’s a large factor, too, coming again right here, and let’s see this construction complete. That could be a giant a part of coming again right here.”
Genier in the past served as president for the Saskatchewan Rush, successful a Nationwide Lacrosse League identify in 2016, and used to be a high-ranking govt for each the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Soccer League and in the past used to be at the board of administrators for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton.
Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft, in the meantime, is probably not returning this summer time, because the staff has parted tactics with the longtime govt.
The Rattlers are coming off an inconsistent 2023 CEBL season by which they started the 12 months with a 4-8 document ensuing within the mid-season firing of head trainer Dean Demopoulos.
Tanner Massey used to be promoted to period in-between head trainer and helped Saskatchewan win 4 in their ultimate seven video games, on the other hand the Rattlers neglected out at the playoffs with an 8-12 document.
Within the coming weeks, the Rattlers are anticipated to announce who will likely be taking on that head training place, consistent with Genier.
“We do have someone in position which is superb,” mentioned Genier. “The entirety is operating within the background presently and we’re excited to make it probably the most upcoming bulletins.”
Final week, the Rattlers unveiled their 2024 agenda which can kick off on Might 22 with a three-game house stand towards the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Montreal Alliance and Vancouver Bandits.
Again within the Rattlers fold, Genier mentioned he’s keen to look the fan interplay develop which is ongoing with season price tag gross sales.
“Successful is at all times necessary and so they’re construction a championship staff,” mentioned Genier. “That at the basketball operations aspect is truly thrilling. Off the court docket, any sports activities staff is ready its fanatics and we wish to carry those other people again.”
The Rattlers will likely be aiming to qualify for the CEBL championship weekend in August, which will likely be hosted in Montreal.
&reproduction 2024 International Information, a department of Corus Leisure Inc.
