London Lightning
Lightning crashes: London calls it quits on BSL, Forest City
The London Lightning will not return for a 14th season of professional basketball this winter.
Rethinking BSL basketball
With the season wrapped up, we ask: How can BSL basketball be better in Year 3? Our senior columnist, Jason Winders, has some ideas to improve game play, the fan experience, and the league’s professionalism
With dust settled on down season, what’s next for Lightning?
After three straight championship seasons, the London Lightning played .500 basketball this year and got bounced in a postseason play-in game. Where does the franchise go from here?
Around the Perimeter: Lightning looking to tame emotion
he 11-0 Lightning can set a franchise record — in the franchise’s first game in the U.S. — Thursday in Albany. Three games in four days will test the streak.
Lightning lay it on the line in Jamestown
Around the Perimeter: London set for one-game playoff in New York. Winner moves on to semi; Coach Williams believes he’s found the right mix; Can Lightning conquer the Jackals’ den?
Ever-changing Lightning seek cohesion
Around the Perimeter: More roster changes bring new faces, while others depart; Scottie Lewis contributes in first weekend; James Towns drops 42 vs. Pontiac; Three-game week ahead; Lightning fifth in standings
Struggling Bolts search for answers, much-needed wins
Around the Perimeter: What’s holding London back? Three-pointers, defense, turnovers …; Paul Parks moves on from team; Up next: Must-win vs. Glass City? Three games in four days
How will Lightning rebound from Sudbury sweep?
Around the Perimeter: London needs wins. Will it happen this weekend?; JR Holder, Jaylon Tate join the fold; Who is the real James Towns?; Up next: Home vs. Windsor, then another tough back-to-back …
Rival week for Lightning vs. Sudbury
Around the Perimeter: Parity a plus for league; Nothing ‘free’ from the line for London; Godfrey an impact add; We’re at the midpoint; Up next: It’s two straight against rival Sudbury
‘Turbo’ more than a nickname — it’s a lifestyle for Taylor
Jachai Taylor, aka Turbo, the uber athletic London Lightning guard, is embracing creativity — on the court and in all facets of his life. It’s been freeing — and fun.
Defense! Defense! A (fun with numbers) breakdown …
Around the Perimeter: Lightning play three in four days — including a wildly quick turnaround for a game in the U.S. Sunday. London leads league in scoring, but is last in defense. Is their style sustainable?
Lightning look to regroup, get healthy
Around the Perimeter: Hobbled London squad sit middle of the pack; Good first impression for Godfrey. Lightning film session opens eyes; James Towns III hasn’t lit world on fire — yet; But Paul Parks has
Knights face Conference test vs. Rangers
Knights turn tide with OT wins
London looks to get offense going
Knights seek win column this weekend
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About the Lightning
Founded in 2011, the London Lightning are a professional basketball team that competes in the National Basketball League of Canada (also founded in 2011). Under the ownership of local businessman Vito Frijia and the guidance of head coach Micheal Ray Richardson, a former NBA pro, the Lightning won the league’s inaugural championship in 2011-12 (over the Halifax Rainmen) and then repeated as champions the following year (against the Summerside Storm).
In 2016-17, led by the franchise’s third head coach, Kyle Julius, the Lightning enjoyed a record-setting year with a 35-5 regular season record (and 11-2 in the postseason) en route to winning the team’s third NBLC title. With Keith Vassell at the helm in 2017-18, the Lightning repeated as champions, capturing the franchise’s fourth title in seven years.
In 2019-20, prior to the league being shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the Lighting, under the guidance of head coach Doug Plumb, sat in first place in the league’s Central Division.
The Lightning, who play their home games at Budweiser Gardens, have had numerous award winners over the years. They include league MVP (Gabe Freeman in 2012, Royce White in 2017), Canadian of the Year (Garrett Williamson in 2014, Warren Ward in 2016), Coach of the Year (Richardson in 2012 and 2013, Julius in 2017) and Executive of the Year (Taylor Brown in 2014, Frijia in 2015).