Darren Zary, Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Michael Linklater is about to have his day not in the sun, but under the basket.
The Saskatchewan Rattlers, in collaboration with the province of Saskatchewan, have declared July 5 as “Michael Linklater Day.”
On Saturday, the Rattlers also host the Ottawa BlackJacks in Canadian Elite Basketball League action at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.
Linklater — who played for the Rattlers during their inaugural season when the team captured the first-ever CEBL crown — is a leader for indigenous youth, basketball, and community in Saskatchewan.
Linklater was also a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies when they won their one and only U Sports men’s basketball championship back in 2010.
He went on to play internationally, representing Canada in FIBA 3×3 basketball at the World Cup.
He and his son, Amari, were among the participants in the reality TV show, Amazing Race Canada.
Away from the basketball court, his community work has expanded world-wide, and he continues to develop and foster community through Sohkisiwin Solutions to help bridge the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups.
“I want to share this recognition with the entire community who work tirelessly to make this world a better place,” said Linklater, who thanked his grandparents, Maria and late Walter Linklater, for inspiring him to always help others through their lifetime of supporting those in need.
“I am truly humbled and extremely grateful by this incredible recognition.”
Linklater, who appeared as an analyst for 3×3 basketball during the 2024 Paris Olympics, is co-chair of the Early Learning Equal Start Campaign and serves as a member of the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee, Toronto Raptors indigenous advisory circle and has served on the FIBA 3×3 Commission.
Linklater, who is of Nehiyaw (Cree) descent from the Thunderchild First Nation in Treaty 6 territory, has been inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame. He has received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Tom Longboat award, Canadian Sport Award for Inclusion and named to the Saskatchewan CBC Future 40 for 40.
Meanwhile, the Rattlers — who begin a four-game home-stand Thursday with a game against the Montreal Alliance — continue to make roster changes.
After releasing Canadian forward Cody John and moving American wing forward Jamir Chaplin to the injured list, the Rattlers have since welcomed back former Rattler guard Devonte Bandoo and forward Julian Roche as well as adding American wing Johnny Hughes III.
Hughes III has played professionally in Cyprus, Estonia and Mexico.
dzary@postmedia.com
