By: Adam Pike, Edge Insider

He’s lean, he’s mean and he eats green.

Anthony Stover may have already caught your attention for his ability to erase shots on the court. But what you might not know is that off the court, he has erased meat from his diet.

A popular lifestyle choice among many, the former NBL Canada Defensive Player of the Year is nearing his one-year anniversary for his vegan diet. He says that the concept originated from a conversation he had with other professional players.

“About a year ago, I was having a conversation with some players I know from the NBA.” said Stover. “We we’re talking about diets and they brought up plant-based diets. I tried it for about six weeks and I really enjoyed it.”

After trying a vegan diet, Stover went back to eating meat. But when he started to deviate from his new routine, he noticed drastic changes in his physical health.

“I didn’t feel the same,” he said. “I started feeling slower, my mind was foggier and a lot of things on my body hurt.”

This was the catalyst for Stover to go all-in on the idea of being a vegan and in the year since, he hasn’t looked back. He believes his plant-based diet offers him an edge over other players on the court.

“I think it mainly helps my endurance,” he said. “I find myself not getting tired as quickly, sometimes not at all.”

In addition to helping him on the court, Stover says the biggest benefit comes after games during recovery. While some of his teammates ice down in a cold tub, Stover doesn’t have to do as much aside from eating because his body feels less exhausted.

“Being seven feet tall, I’ve always had knee problems and ankle problems,” said Stover. “I noticed that once I went completely plant-based that most of that soreness is gone. The improved recovery time has been the main thing that has helped me out as a basketball player.”

One might think a vegan diet would lead to struggles adding weight or putting on muscle, but Stover says it’s quite the opposite. He gets his proteins from foods like beans and broccoli. While he Initially lost weight, dropping from 230 pounds to around 220, he saw his weight begin to increase after the first few weeks of his diet.

“After two weeks I gained back that 10 pounds, plus another five,” he said. “I gained it back quickly and I gained it back the right way.”

Although Stover is the only vegan on the Edge, that hasn’t stopped him from trying to convince his teammates to go green. So far, he’s had the best success with his fellow big-men, Grandy Glaze and Ryan Reid.

“Since I’ve been here I’ve inspired a couple of guys to try it out,” he said. “Ryan’s gone out with me all week, and myself and Grandy have had multiple conversations about how to replace his proteins. All the guys are getting conscious of what they’re putting in their bodies.”

After joining the team in February, Stover has bonded quickly with his teammates and coaches. He spent time with the Niagara River Lions and the Saint John Riptide earlier in the season and was thrilled to find a role within the Edge.

“From top to bottom, this organization is unbelievable,” he said. “I’m very fortunate and very happy to be here.”

With multiple seasons under his belt, Stover is no stranger to the NBL. But he has also been a member of championship teams in other leagues such as the PBL. He believes that the Edge have all the makings of a top team.

“There’s a special feeling with these guys,” said Stover. “We have the opportunity to win it all and I have no doubt in my mind that we can do it.”

As for what to expect from Stover when he hits the hardwood, he says that he likes to be the loudest player on the court – especially on defense – where fans will continue to see his trademark shot blocking and rebounding on display.

“I’m here to literally defend the rock,” he said. “We have unbelievable scorers like Carl English, Charles Hinkle and Desmond Lee, so my job is to try and make their life a little easier.”

Although Stover is still a newcomer to St. John’s, it didn’t take him long to find a favourite spot to eat. He frequents a restaurant where he insists the staff can tell you his usual order – an avocado taco and a burrito.

“My favourite place is The Sprout, I eat there every day,” he said. “I love it. I’m probably going to go there right after this practice.”