Saskatchewan Rattlers reveal draft picks

The Saskatchewan Rattlers are beginning to take shape with a little more than a month remaining before the start of the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season.

Former University of Saskatchewan Huskies players Shane Osayande and Michael Linklater highlight the the new roster established after an 11-round draft reveal in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday.

Linklater is well known in the province for helping the Huskies to its first national championship in 2010 before transitioning into Canada’s top-ranked FIBA 3×3 player.

The draft was followed by a two-round U Sports draft that will allow currently eligibile U Sports players to play and develop their game over the summer months without foregoing any eligibility for their school programs.

Regina’s Chan De Ciman and Ryerson University standout Jean-Victor Mukama were selected in that portion of the draft.

“We couldn’t be happier with the players we selected in the inaugural CEBL draft,” Rattlers head coach and general manager Greg Jockims said.

“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.”

Jockims has extra room to add some players as free agency opened on Sunday. A 19-player training camp roster will meet 12 days before the season.

The Rattlers will then cut down the roster to 10 players, seven of which must be Canadian before the season tips off on May 9 at Sasktel Centre.

The Saskatchewan Rattler full roster is:

Denzel James

Jelane Pryce

Justus Alleyn

Thomas Cooper

Terry Thomas

Kevin Bercy

Gentrey Thomas

Alex Campbell

Shane Osayande