Deon Ejim is returning to the Saskatchewan Rattlers for a second straight season.
The 6’6″ St. Francis Xavier grad was originally drafted in the second round in 2023 by Calgary before finding his way to the Snakes. Deon is the third Ejim brother to join the Rattlers in franchise history. Ryan Ejim won a C-E-B-L Championship in 2019 and Kenny Ejim played during the Summer Series in 2020. Following is the news release from the Rattlers…..
February 18, 2025
EJIM JOINS THE SASKATCHEWAN RATTLERS FOR SECOND CEBL SEASON
Saskatoon, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced
Thursday that the club has signed 6-foot-six Deon Ejim for the 2025 season. The St. Francis Xavier alumni
from Brampton, Ontario returns for his second CEBL season after being selected in the second round
during the 2023 CEBL Draft by the Calgary Surge. Signing Deon Ejim is celebrated as the third Ejim
brother to join the Rattlers in franchise history; Ryan Ejim won a CEBL Championship in 2019, and Kenny
Ejim played during the CEBL Summer Series in 2020.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Deon to our line-up as he launched his professional career. He is a
very tough and hardworking player that will bring a competitive edge with him to the court every day.,”
said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Deon is a really high
character individual that comes from a family that is steeped in a tradition of success both on and off the
basketball court.”
Ejim made his professional debut after being selected 18th overall in the 2023 CEBL Draft by the Calgary
Surge. Ejim averaged 4.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 14.0 minutes in 17 games. The Calgary Surge finished
first in the Western Conference with a 12-8 regular season record, which lead them to a successful run
during playoffs which included an appearance in the CEBL Championship Final.
The Brampton-born went to TRC Academy in Brampton, Ontario where he led his team to the OSBA
Championship final in 2016 and 2017, finishing second and first respectively. Ejim was named
Tournament MVP during the 2017 OSBA Championship final. He was a four-year letter winner while also
playing wide-receiver in football for one season.
Ejim made entered the NCAA D1 in 2019 with the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames where he started
in nine games while averaging 2.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 10.3 minutes appearing in 41 games for two
seasons. Ejim transferred to the Lewis University Flyers (NCAA D2) for the 2021-22 season where he
started in 17 of 21 games while averaging 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 16.3 minutes. He had NCAA
career-highs 17 points and 10 rebounds on February 12th 2022.
He made his U SPORTS debut during the 2022-23 season with St. Francis Xavier University where he
started in all 15 regular season games, averaging 14.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 blocks, 1.6
steals, and 23.4 minutes. He helped lead the X-Men to overall league record of 17-3, which led them to an
AUS Championship Final Win. Ejim was named Atlantic University Sport Second Team All-Star Playoffs for
his performance in the final with 14 points. The team earned a spot in Nationals, later capturing the silver
medal during the U SPORTS National Championship in a double-overtime finish against Carleton.
Ejim returned to St. Francis Xavier University for the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 12.8 points, 8.2
rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.9 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 23.2 minutes playing in eight games. The X-Men finished
the season with a regular season record of 12-8, reaching the AUS Championship final leaving with a
second place finish. They finished their season with an overall record of 23-10.
“I’m excited to join the Rattlers this summer! Looking forward to working with our group of guys this
season towards our common goal,” said Ejim. “I watched my older brother win the first ever CEBL
championship in 2019 with the Rattlers. So I have the same goal in mind for our squad! Let’s get to work!”
Ejim will join the Rattlers for the 2025 season to play alongside Anthony Tsegakele, Jaden Bediako, Cody
John, and NBA-experienced Nate Pierre-Louis. Canadian Elite Basketball League free agency will continue
leading up to the announcement of the full training camp roster prior to the Saskatchewan Rattlers home
opener on May 15th 2025 at SaskTel Centre.
