Rattlers leaning on Saskatoon connections ahead of opener

The Saskatchewan Rattlers are nearly set for battle in the startup Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

The team wrapped up training camp on Sunday after players from multiple leagues and countries descended on Saskatoon for a chance to compete with the Rattlers when they open the season Thursday at SaskTel Centre.

Head coach and general manager Greg Jockims said getting everyone in the building was the first challenge.

“I call it an adventure,” Jockims said between practice sessions at the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) at the University of Saskatchewan.

“We have players from all over the place, so getting them in here, getting them to practices — the logistics of it all — it’s pretty crazy.”

After gathering the players, the next step in the process is trying to finalize the 10-man roster. Only three roster spots are available for eight import invitees.

One import player looking to make the squad is Showron Glover, a well-known player to Saskatoon basketball fans following his infamous “We beastin’!” outburst after helping the U of S Huskies men’s basketball team win its only national championship in 2010.

Glover was humbled to get an invite from his old coach.

“When I first heard the word, I got chills in the back of my neck. My hair was just standing up. I had that warm feeling of being back again… this town is my heart,” he said of being back in Saskatoon.

A lot has changed for the 32-year-old since his time in green and white. He’s now a journeyman after playing his way through many European leagues.

“Since the take off the shirt, ‘We beastin’ incident, I’ve been to Switzerland, Australia, Czech Republic, Italy… I’ve been everywhere, man,” Glover said.

Glover is part of a large contingent of camp invitees with ties to Saskatoon.

Nolan Brudehl, Lawrence Moore, Shane Osayande and Michael Linklater join the group of former Huskies either at training camp or listed on the roster.

Jockims isn’t sure of expectations or even particulars on game plans. He’s more focused on getting familiar with players and finding that balance of accommodating his structure with his players’ ability.

“We have to find the best fit, in terms of our style of play, and best fit with each other, so we can build a team and not just a group of individuals,” he said.

Jockims said he’s hoping his players meet certain expectations that not only translate into wins, but into an entertaining brand of basketball.

“We’re going to play an aggressive style on both sides of the ball,” Jockims said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that can make shots, so the floor is going to be spaced, and it will allow us to attack the rim and create opportunities at the rim and at the three-point line.”

Glover said he’s hoping he can show those aggressive qualities when it’s time for Thursday’s opener against the Niagara River Lions.

“Knowing how coach is, he wants some hard players, some grind-it-out type of players. That’s what we’re starting. That’s why I’m right there,” he said.