Starlites sign US guard Christian Hinckson

Ingo heads back to the States

Malta Division One champions Starlites announced their latest signing Christian Hinckson on Monday, days before facing Mellieha Libertas in the MBA Super Cup.

Hinckson would have been Starlites’ third import signing of the summer after Davonte Craven and Stephane Ingo, but the latter opted to remain in the US and continue his studies.

“Unfortunately, Stephane Ingo will not be part of Starlites Naxxar Basketball Club due to personal reasons,” a Starlites statement read on Wednesday, “we would like to wish Stephane all the best in the remainder of his studies and best of luck for the future.”

Instead, the Naxxar side confirmed Hinckson this week, who joins after his time at Binghamton in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1 where he played all through his college career, as well as a graduate student last season.

“We are proud to announce Christian Hinckson to our Men’s team,” a club statement read on Monday.

“The former NCAA1 Manhattan College and Binghamton 6’6 guard was named America East All-Defensive team in 2022. Welcome to the home of the Champions!”

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While Hinckson is not a like-for-like replacement for Ingo, the Times of Malta can confirm that the Queens native is set to be shifted into the forward position, particularly due to his height and defensive abilities.

The 23-year-old was an All-Defensive selection in the America East Conference two years running and is regarded as an active player who plays with intensity, particularly on the boards. In fact, last season, Hinckson averaged four rebounds a game. He played 28 games during the 2022-23 season with the Binghamton Bearcats, averaging 6.9 points, and 1.2 assists, while shooting 44% from the field, 33% from three-point range, and 71% from the freethrow line.

Hinckson now joins coach Paul Ferrante’s side that has kept hold of Maltese-Australian guard Matt Attard, who extended his contract over the summer, as well as most of the team’s local players except Ryan Carabott who joined Mellieha.