Saskatchewan Rattlers sign first international player to roster

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of  Viborg, Denmark native, Sebastian Åris in accordance with the new CEBL import rule for the 2022 CEBL season.
Åris has a wealth of European Basketball experience playing in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. The guard is currently playing in his fifth season with the Svendborg Rabbits in Basketligaen (Denmark). Åris recently won the December 2021 Fullcourt Player of the Month and led his team to the Team of the Month honours in December. Åris is averaging a career high of 18.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 17 games played.

Prior to his time with Svendborg, Åris played for the Denmark national team as well as a number of European professional teams. Early in his career, he was a member of the U16 and U18 Denmark National Team. Åris then signed his first professional contract with the Bakken Bears of the Basketligaen in 2013 at the age of 17. Over three seasons with the Bakken, Åris played 114 games and secured 557 points, 240 assists, and 47 steals.

During his time with the Bears, the team took home the Danish Cup in 2015-16, made an appearance in the 2015-16 FIBA Europe Cup, and became back-to-back regular season champions in 2014 and 2015. Åris then signed with the Malbas Malmö in the Basketettan League (Sweden) for the 2016-17 season where he averaged 10.7 points, 3.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 50% in 28 games played.

“Sebastian is a multi-purpose guard that can deliver to others and on his own”, said Rattlers Head Coach Dean Demopoulos. “He has a very high motor. We are looking forward to his energy and his positive force this season.”

“I’m really looking forward to joining the team in Saskatchewan, meet my teammates and the staff around the team”, said Åris. “Most importantly, I will contribute to a winning culture with the Rattlers. I’m very grateful for this new opportunity and experience.”

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