If you think you are seeing NBA star Russell Westbrook in a Rattlers' uniform this year, don't rush to grab your glasses, you are not too far off. You just see the Rattlers' newest addition, rookie Nervens Demosthene. The Rattlers managed to grab Demosthene with the first overall pick in the 2021 CEBL USPORTS draft. Demosthenes' play style can be described as fast, aggressive, and explosive.
UPDATE: The first overall pick in the @CEBLeague @USPORTSca draft, Nervens Demosthene ( @hyder321 ) is a BALLER. Who's ready to see Nervens in green and wheat? #FearTheFang x #OurGame pic.twitter.com/7u9Eoj8tOo
— Saskatchewan Rattlers (@SASK_Rattlers) April 14, 2021
From a young age, Demosthene has attempted to emulate NBA all-stars who share his athletic ability.
"Westbrook was a guy I also looked up to and tried to emulate," Demosthene states.
Demosthene, a 6'2" guard, is currently playing for Bishops University in Sherbrooke, QB. He is known for his explosiveness and ability to finish around the rim. His aggressive and exciting style of play has given the 3rd year guard a massive list of accomplishments while at Bishops University. Demosthenes' enormous list of accomplishments includes being named RSEQ 2017-18 Rookie of the Year, 2017-18 USports All-Rookie Team and 2019-20 Bishop’s Gaiter's Athlete of the Year. Demosthene notes winning the 2017-18 RSEQ Rookie of the Year Award as being particularly meaningful.
"I had the opportunity to play with veterans. I learned so much from them [the veterans] and grew as a player," Demosthene states when reflecting upon his rookie season at Bishops University.
Demosthene has generated both team and personal success in every level of basketball. So, it may come as a surprise that he almost slipped through the cracks of Usports recruiting. While growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, Demosthene played in the second division of high school basketball in Quebec. Consequently, a lack of exposure became a significant obstacle in Demosthenes' recruiting experience as university coaches spend most of their time watching and recruiting division 1 players and programs.
“Not a lot of division 2 players go on to play university basketball. This was a massive challenge. I eventually received a scholarship, and I took the opportunity.”
Once Demosthene received the opportunity to play university basketball, he never looked back. His stellar play in Usports caught the eye of the Rattlers organization.
Initially, when Demosthene entered the CEBL draft, he was uncertain about where he would land. But, On April 14th, 2021, it became official, Demosthene would have an opportunity to play basketball professionally as Demosthene was selected with the 1st overall pick by the Saskatchewan Rattlers.
“I am grateful for the opportunity. It has been my dream to play professional basketball since day one," Demosthene answered when asked about his reaction to being drafted into the CEBL.
Looking forward to the start of the 2021 CEBL season, the Rattlers' rookie has a great head on his shoulders.
When asked about what he wants from his rookie season, Demosthene states, “I want to learn from the professional players and experience the atmosphere of professional basketball.”
Demosthenes’ skill and athletic ability will be on full display on June 26th as the Rattlers play their season opener against the Fraser Valley Bandits in Abbotsford, BC.
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