Saskatoon 3x3 basketball team earns spot in world finals after perfect showing in Switzerland
The four-member team, representing Canada at the FIBA World Tour, went 5-0 this weekend
Saskatoon's own 3x3 basketball team is one step closer to becoming international champions once again.
Team Saskatoon, which is representing Canada at the FIBA World Tour, secured a spot in October's 3x3 world tour final in Abu Dhabi after a 17-14 win against Paris this weekend at a masters tournament in Switzerland.
- Prairie basketball players take top spot in Americas
- Michael Linklater ranked No. 1 3x3 basketball player in Canada
The team won all five games at the Lausannne Masters Tournament.
"We feel good," said Michael Linklater, one of the four team members. "It was a great weekend for us and we're just excited to compete in the world tour finals."
Saskatoon is the fourth team to qualify for the finals after teams from Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates and Slovenia earned spots in previous Masters tournaments this season.
Saskatoon's team includes Linklater, Willie Murdaugh, Michael Lieffers and Nolan Brudehl. Linklater was named the tournament's MVP and was also the shortest person in the tournament. Linklater was modest when asked about the MVP nod, noting the wins were a team effort.
"Our team is really well put together and we play well together and all of us contribute just as much as the other person," he said. "Everyone really deserved it."
The team is set to return to Saskatoon Sunday night. After a few days off to visit with family and friends they will resume their regime of practices and workouts.
The next Masters of the season takes place in Debrecen, Hungary on Sept. 7 and 8, 2016. The World Tour Finals take place Oct. 27 and 28, 2016.