Rattlers add second Clippers prospect
The Saskatchewan Rattlers have added another key piece for the upcoming 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League season.
The Rattlers have signed 6-foot8 forward Bryson Williams, yet another NBA Los Angeles Clippers prospect.
Williams will make his CEBL debut in Saskatchewan by reuniting with Elijah Harkless and coach Larry Abney following their NBA G League season with the Los Angeles Clippers affiliate Ontario Clippers.
“Bryson is a major signing for us and is expected to be a significant contributor to the success of our team through both his play and leadership in the locker-room,” said Rattlers general manager and vice-president of basketball operations, Barry Rawlyk.
“His versatility as a power forward will cause difficult matchups for opponents. I am excited to see his impact this season.”
Williams has played two seasons as a pro with five teams in the NBA, NBA G League, NBA Summer League, France, and Israel. He has a professional career average of 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 21.9 minutes while playing in 95 games.
Williams made his professional debut playing in the NBA Summer League with the Miami Heat before signing on with the Clippers.
Over two seasons with the Ontario Clippers, he averaged 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 23.3 minutes in 57 games while starting 34 times. This season, Williams led the Clippers in total rebounds (207), ranked second for total blocks (29), and fourth for total points (348). Williams has had the opportunity to play during the NBA G League Showcase Cup, NBA Summer League and NBA pre-season with the Clippers organization.
“I am excited to be playing with Saskatchewan this season under coach Larry Abney and with my (Clippers) teammate Elijah Harkless,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to playing hard, getting better, and ultimately making a lot of noise in the CEBL with the Rattlers this season.”
Williams joins a new-look roster — led by new coach Abney — currently consisting of Harkless, Emmanuel Bandoumel, Cody John, Maurice Calloo, Adong Makuoi, and 2023 Rattlers defensive player of the year Anthony Tsegakele along with 2024 CEBL Draft picks Alexander Dewar, Isaac Simon, and Elias Ralph.
The Rattlers will continue to unveil the 2024 roster leading up to their training camp in mid-may.
Williams made his international debut in 2023 playing in France with JL Bourg-en-bresse of LNB Elite averaging 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 assist, and 19 minutes while shooting 50.9 per cent from the field in seven games. He is currently playing in Israel with Bnei Herzelia in the Israeli BSL, averaging 16 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 30.7 minutes.
For his final NCAA season, Williams transferred to Texas Tech where he started in all 37 games.
The Rattlers will open the 2024 CEBL season May 22 against the Winnipeg Sea Bears. They'll play a 20-game schedule with 10 games on home court at Sasktel Centre. The CEBL Championship Weekend (CW24) is slated for Montreal Aug. 9-11.