Edge reveal protection program

The St. John’s Edge have announced the seven players they’re including on their National Basketball League of Canada protected list. Forward Charles Hinkle, a second-team all-league player and NBL Canada’s fourth-leading scorer last season, was protected, as were guard Alex Johnson and forward/centre Grandy Glaze, second- and third-team allcanadians, respectively. The others on the list are guards Coron Williams, Desmond Lee and Jarryn Skeete and forward and former NBA player Ryan Reid.

The Edge will retain NBL Canada rights to those players throughout the 2018-19 season. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t sign with a team in another league. As well, beginning Aug. 15, other NBL Canada teams can make contract offers to any protected player still unsigned by his current club. The team holding the player’s rights has 48 hours to either match or surpass the offer, ensuring he would remain which his current team. Players who were on the Edge roster at the conclusion of the season who weren’t protected include centres Anthony Stover and Ransford Brempong, forwards Xavier Ford and Russell Byrd and guards Colton Ray and Wally Ellenson.

Guard Carl English, the 201718 NBL Canada most valuable player, also wasn’t protected, but that’s simply because English — named the Edge’s interim general manager on Monday —wouldn’t want to use a protected slot on himself. If the 37-year-old Newfoundlander decides to return as an NBL Canada player, it will be with St. John’s.