The Saskatchewan Rattlers, member club of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), are excited to unveil the first official members to the Rattlers. Former University of Saskatchewan stalwarts Shane Osayande and Michael Linklater highlight an athletic and explosive roster with an emphasis on Canadian talent.
The official draft reveal was held on March 23rd at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario. The draft consisted of 11 rounds followed immediately by a 2 round U Sports draft. The draft followed a snake format, with the Rattlers having the 4th overall pick in the first round.
Rounds 1-4 were the Canadian Regional Rounds where all teams had the opportunity to draft the top players from their respective region. For Saskatchewan, these players could have been born or played their university basketball anywhere west of the Manitoba/Ontario Border. The Rattlers selected MacEwan’s all-time leading scorer Denzel James with the 4th overall pick. From there, FIBA 3x3 stand-out Jelane Pryce, Commonwealth Games Team Canada member Justus Alleyn and 2015-16 CIS Canada West MVP Thomas Cooper were selected.
Rounds 5-11 were the general draft rounds where teams were able to pick talent from Canada and beyond, irrespective of nationality, region or background. Canada’s number 1 ranked FIBA 3x3 player, Michael Linklater, is set to reunite with his former university coach in Greg Jockims. Fellow former Huskie Shane Osayande is set to make his return to Saskatoon after spending the past season in Spain playing for Circulo Gijon. Terry Thomas, Kevin Bercy, Gentrey Thomas, Alex Campbell and Chad Posthumus were the other players selected in the general draft rounds.
In the two U Sports rounds, the Rattlers selected two graduating players in Mambi Diawara of the University of Calgary and Jean-Victor Mukama of Ryerson University. A detailed breakdown of all the Rattlers selections can be found below. “We couldn’t be happier with the players we selected in the inaugural CEBL draft,” said Rattlers Head Coach and GM, Greg Jockims.
“We have a core group of tough, dynamic, athletic and hard-working players who will put on a show and play very high-level basketball starting in May.”
Players are able to sign their contracts as early as March 24th. Free agency will also commence on March 24th. Jockims is now tasked with filling the remaining spots on the 19-player training camp roster with free agent signings prior to the start of camp. The final roster will be cut down to 10 players - 7 of which must be Canadian - prior to the start of the season on May 9th. All CEBL teams must employ one U Sports Developmental player on its active roster. Training camp is set to commence 12 days prior to the start of the season.
