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Stefan Anisko, a fourth-year guard for the Cape Breton Capers, was relieved when he signed his first pro contract with the Edmonton Stingers.
From Caledonia, Ont., Anisko spent his last three years as a Caper after a year at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
He said playing professionally in any sport is difficult because nothing is guaranteed.
“You could work out every day, 24 hours a day, and still not go pro,” Anisko says.
Anisko will team up with Cape Breton head coach Matt Skinn, an assistant coach and general manager for the Stingers. Skinn helped connect Anisko to Edmonton during the signing process.
“You’d be just as likely to see him making a deep three-pointer as you would seeing him catch an alley-oop dunk,” Skinn says.
Anisko says his relationship with Skinn will build comfort during his time in Edmonton.
“It feels almost calming, like the work wasn’t for nothing, right?” he says.
The guard is among four Atlantic University Sport players who signed with league teams on April 8. Two are from Cape Breton University and two from St. Francis Xavier University.
The CEBL is the top basketball league in Canada and is home to former U Sports, NBA G-League and NBA players.
Anisko plans to spend his time in Edmonton learning from his teammates and polishing his game. He will join the Stingers for training camp for May 1.
“Go there like a sponge, ready to learn and show them what I could do,” Anisko said.
Stingers head coach Jordan Baker has had Anisko on his radar for years and is happy to see him improve in his senior year.
Baker wants Anisko to challenge for a spot on the roster and is watching closely to see how he competes against his teammates.
“He’s a big physical guy,” he said. “So [we’re] hoping that he’s going to be able to showcase that.”
Baker said Skinn vouched for the guard from their time at CBU. Baker knew Anisko’s character would fit with the team, but he will have to adjust to a lesser role compared to Cape Breton.
Anisko plans to return to the Capers in September for his fifth year of eligibility.
As Atlantic talent continues to populate the CEBL, CEO Ty Mazereeuw said expansion to the Maritimes is just a matter of time.
“The East Coast would be an ideal location for us in the near future,” Mazereeuw said.
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