Irshaad Hunte is giving professional basketball a second try, some six years after his first go.

The Toronto-born, California-raised forward signed for the 2022 Canadian Elite Basketball League season Monday with the Saskatchewan Rattlers. After graduating high school, Hunte played two games in a Bolivian pro league before attending college…first Central Wyoming College, then N-C-Double-A Division 1 Texas A and M. The 6’8″ forward is expected to bring athleticism and energy to the Snakes. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saskatoon, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have announced Monday that they have signed Canadian forward Irshaad Hunte for the 2022 CEBL season. The forward joins the team with 4 years of college basketball experience averaging 12.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 102 games.

Hunte started his collegiate career with Central Wyoming Collegiate (2016-17) averaging 16 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 30 games. In his second year he was named First Team all-region and set the school record in rebounds in a season. During this season, Hunte averaged 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 30 games. He left Central Wyoming ranking third in career points, and free throws made. He then transferred to NCAA Division 1 Texas A&M (2018-19), where he averaged 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in 32 games. He collected a season-high 10 rebounds against Howard Payne and defended the paint with a season-high 4 blocks versus UT-Rio Valley. As a junior, he averaged 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 30 games for Texas A&M (2019-20). He scored a season-high 18 points (Jan 4), grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds (Feb 1), and secured a season-high 4 blocks (March 7). Prior to his collegiate career, Hunte played professionally with Calero de Potosi (Bolivia – Libobasquet) averaging 12 points, and 8.5 rebounds in 2 professional games.

“We are fortunate to have signed a player with Irshaad’s athleticism and energy.” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “This is his first experience in the CEBL, and we know he is hungry to prove himself in this league. Irshaad is also a real community-minded guy and will very quickly become a fan favorite.”

“I’m stoked to play in the CEBL and on the Saskatchewan Rattlers.”, said Hunte. “I am excited to meet the players and staff I’m going to be with, and to see where I can learn from them and grow.”