Greg Jockims is back involved in high-profile, high-calibre basketball in Saskatoon.

The former U of S men’s basketball head coach is the first G-M and head coach of the Saskatchewan Rattlers of the new Canadian Elite Basketball League.

“The first of anything is awesome and, getting a chance to build it from the ground up, you get a chance to put your fingerprints on the organization and really get to help the group establish the winning culture that they want,” enthused the 53-year-old Jockims. “We want to have a championship-caliber team and program here. And, to be the first in, really gives you a chance to establish things right from the ground up, so that’s really exciting.”

Jockims played five years for the Huskies from 1983 to 88, then won 198 games over 13 seasons as U of S head coach between 1998 and 2011, including the 2010 national championship. He left the program to teach grade school and be an everyday husband and father.

The Rattlers and the six-team C-E-B-L begin their inaugural season in May.