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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.<\/p>\n
From Caledonia, Ont., Anisko spent his last three years as a Caper after a year at Mohawk College in Hamilton. <\/p>\n
He said playing professionally in any sport is difficult because nothing is guaranteed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could work out every day, 24 hours a day, and still not go pro,\u201d Anisko says.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’d be just as likely to see him making a deep three-pointer as you would seeing him catch an alley-oop dunk,\u201d Skinn says.<\/p>\n
Anisko says his relationship with Skinn will build comfort during his time in Edmonton. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels almost calming, like the work wasn’t for nothing, right?\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The CEBL is the top basketball league in Canada and is home to former U Sports, NBA G-League and NBA players.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo there like a sponge, ready to learn and show them what I could do,\u201d Anisko said. <\/p>\n
Stingers head coach Jordan Baker has had Anisko on his radar for years and is happy to see him improve in his senior year.<\/p>\n
Baker wants Anisko to challenge for a spot on the roster and is watching closely to see how he competes against his teammates.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s a big physical guy,\u201d he said. \u201cSo [we\u2019re] hoping that he’s going to be able to showcase that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker said Skinn vouched for the guard from their time at CBU. Baker knew Anisko\u2019s character would fit with the team, but he will have to adjust to a lesser role compared to Cape Breton.<\/p>\n
Anisko plans to return to the Capers in September for his fifth year of eligibility.<\/p>\n
As Atlantic talent continues to populate the CEBL, CEO Ty Mazereeuw said expansion to the Maritimes is just a matter of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe East Coast would be an ideal location for us in the near future,\u201d Mazereeuw said.<\/p>\n
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