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Xavier Moon is happy for the opportunity to play professional basketball, even if it’s in a city he’s not familiar with, in a country he wasn’t born in.

The Edmonton Stingers point guard is one of three import players allowed on the roster. Originally from Goodwater, Ala., Moon played college basketball at Morehead State before heading to play professionally in France.

Last season, Moon played with the London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada, featuring teams from Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.

“This is my third year as a pro,” Moon said. “It’s amazing. I look at it as a job like everybody else and just try to handle my business, do what I need to do on and off the court. It’s amazing. Nothing compares to it.”

Like everyone else involved in the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League season, Moon is not sure what to expect heading into the Stingers season opener Friday (7 p.m.) at the Edmonton Expo Centre. But he is looking forward to being part of the national league and is hoping to help raise the profile of basketball in Canada.

“It’s a lot of excitement for me,” he said. “I’m just going to try to bring the most competitiveness that you can and hope for the best. Our practices have been high intensity just trying to get in shape and get guys used to other guys. We’re trying to get that team chemistry. We’re working hard every day trying to get ready for Friday.”

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest