The Saskatchewan Rattlers, who have the worst record in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, have fired head coach Dean Demopoulos.
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
The 4-8 Rattlers — bottom in the CEBL’s Western Conference with eight games remaining — have replaced the head coach as a sophomore with his assistant Tanner Massey. They’re still looking for a place in the playoffs.
“The entire Rattlers organization is grateful to Dean for his role in transforming the fortunes of the franchise this past season,” Rattlers general manager Barry Rawlyk said in a statement released by the team. “Unfortunately we haven’t been able to capitalize on that momentum this season and we feel changes are needed for the team to move forward.”
Demopoulos, a longtime NBA assistant coach with Seattle, Portland and the Las Angeles Clippers, was hired from Saskatchewan ahead of the 2022 season. The Rattlers reached the quarterfinals of the league last season with a score of 11-9.
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
The Rattlers started this season with two wins in their first three games but have struggled since. They lost 90-75 at home to the Niagara River Lions on Sunday, leading to the announcement of the coaching change on Tuesday.
South Carolina’s Massey takes over the top spot after joining the Rattlers as an assistant in 2022. He has held various positions in the NCAA, NAIA and the NBA G League. During the past CEBL off-season, he trained in Finland.
The Rattlers don’t have much time to adjust to their new coaching arrangement – they will host the 8-5 Ottawa BlackJacks on Wednesday at 7pm at the SaskTel Center. Then there will be an away game against the Sea Bears next Tuesday in Winnipeg.
Recommended by Editorial
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”