Barry Rawlyk named new Sask. Rattlers general manager

The Saskatchewan Rattlers didn’t have to look far to find a new general manager.

The team named longtime University of Saskatchewan Huskies head coach Barry Rawlyk as the team’s general manager following Greg Jockims departure as head coach and GM last November.

Rawlyk feels his time spent as a Rattlers assistant coach prepared him for his promotion.

“I was fairly heavily involved in the assembly of the roster last season, so it’s not something that was totally new to me,” Rawlyk said of his progression to GM.

Rawlyk’s role as an assistant coach for the Rattlers’ inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship season taught him one thing.

“You have to have the animals if you’re going to have a circus,” Rawlyk said. “You have to have the talent, and I don’t think most people fully comprehend the level of talent in the CEBL. Being able to bring that talent together with the proper chemistry is just a vital ingredient in being successful.”

Rattlers president and COO Lee Genier said the search for a new GM began in the fall and included candidates from all over the world, but in the end, it was a promotion from within the organization that made the most sense.

“(Rawlyk) and I probably had 10 discussions. I wanted to make this announcement in early December, 2019,” Genier said.

First up for Rawlyk is the beginning of CEBL free agency on Feb. 1. Following that, a coaching staff must be named before tip off on the Rattler’s second season in May.

“I’ve been combing over some thoughts in my head, but obviously there’s some groundwork to be done there,” Rawlyk said.

As for players, it’s the team’s intention to bring back as many players as possible from a year ago.

“The more pieces you’re able to bring back, a little bit simpler that puzzle becomes,” Rawlyk said.

Rawlyk brings an extensive resume to the Rattlers front office.

Prior to serving as Huskies head coach for the past nine seasons, Rawlyk served as assistant coach for three seasons.

Rawlyk also spent more than two decades coaching the Holy Cross Crusaders, leading the team to 11 city championships and three provincial titles.

The Rattlers raise its championship banner to the rafters of SaskTel Centre on May 14.