Growing up in Bentley, Declan Peterson did not envision himself becoming a professional basketball player.
Peterson's goal for a number of years was to play college lacrosse in the United States. Peterson played basketball while attending Lacombe Composite High School, primarily as a way to stay in shape for lacrosse.
"When COVID happened, I wasn't able to travel to any lacrosse tournaments in the States to get noticed. Halfway through Grade 12, one of my basketball coaches told me, 'There are some college coaches looking at you.' ... I went down to Lethbridge for provincials and Lethbridge College offered me a spot on their basketball team. I took it and ended up falling in love with basketball. Now it's pretty much my life. I want to go as far as I can with it," said Peterson.
"In Grade 12 when I realized I wanted to play basketball a little more seriously, I would spend an hour after every practice going through drills. In the summer after Grade 12, I'd finish at work and then would go to the field to run or go to the gym to lift. I spent as much time in the gym as I could."
After graduating from Lacombe Composite High School, Peterson went on to play two seasons with Lethbridge College, and one season with the University of Calgary. Over his college career, he has averaged 9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 20.8 minutes in 64 games.
The six-foot-11, 250-pound centre was selected third overall by the Saskatchewan Rattlers in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League Draft on April 10.
"I didn't expect to be able to play in the CEBL after this season, so to be able to be blessed with the opportunity, it's a surreal experience," Peterson said.
"Right now my goal is to learn and develop as much as I can. This will be a great opportunity to play in a professional environment and learn from professionals. My teammates have been in my shoes before and they've also gone overseas and played professionally, which is a goal of mine."
Peterson said he doesn't expect to get too much playing time in his rookie CEBL season.
"I'm expecting to be more of a practice player, but I'm excited to play when I get the opportunity. My goal is to go in there, learn and gain as much knowledge from these guys who have played in the NBA G-League or overseas. I want to learn as much as I can from the (centres) on the team, as well as the coaches and everyone else around," he said.
Peterson will head out to Saskatoon, Sask. on May 2. The 10-team league's season begins May 11.
