Bringing basketball back to Newfoundland: Carl English signs on to St. John's Edge

The St. John's Edge basketball team has announced its newest memberand many will likely know his name.

He'll be a great addition to say the least.- Coach Jeff Dunlap

Carl English, who grew up in Placentia Bay, is set to join the city's new basketball team for its upcoming season.

The 36-year-old has played professional basketball in cities around the world, and split last season between two teams in Europe.

"I think I'll fit in. It's a lot easier to fit in with people that speak English than people who don't speak our language, I'll give you that," said English.

Last month, English told CBC he was mulling over the idea of joining the team, weighing his overseas options with a chance to come back home and play in front of his fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

English said he's looking forward to playing at home to be closer to his family, and as a way to give back.

Carl English will play at home

7 years ago

Duration 2:38

The St. John's Edge has signed the hometown boy

"I can bring a lot to this young team, I can bring a lot to this organization, but another big part of what I want to bring is basketball back to Newfoundland," said English.

Theinaugural season for the St. John's Edge gets underway Saturday as the team begins a five-game road trip.

Coach Jeff Dunlap is excited to have English on his team, even if they don't have a lot of time to get to know each other before hitting the court.

Nothing works without fan support.- Carl English

"I have two days of practice with him before we hit the road on Friday and we play Saturday,"said Dunlap.

"We are going to get into the gym right away and get him up to speed as quickly as possible. He'll be a great addition to say the least."

A seasoned veteran, English could easily become a leader both in the locker room and on the court.

"I feel you need to have a player of his caliber to win games," Dunlap said.

"I expect of him what he expects of himself, to benot only one of the best players on our team, if not the best player, [but] one of the best players in the league"

The Edge's first-ever game in St. John's will be a homecoming of sorts for English, who hasn't played an official game in this province since 1999.

"I feel this can be great for the community," said English.

"I feel it's something that Newfoundlanders could be proud of and get behind. I'mgoing to do my best to make sure that it's done correctly and we do it right but we are also going to need your support. Nothing works without fan support."