London Lightning
Lightning open playoffs with one goal: Repeat as champs
The London Lightning begin their NBLC title defense this week against the KW Titans in a playoff semi-final series.
Will Lightning take care of business with TBL in town?
The London Lightning, who host the Kalamazoo Galaxy Friday and Saturday, will need to win both to keep their first-place hopes alive; Diego Kapelan ready for debut; Rookies Nuga, Jongkuch continue to impress. Catch the latest in Lightning land …
April play will decide Lightning’s playoff roadmap
After a week off, the London Lightning return for two against the upstart KW Titans (Saturday & Wednesday). With just seven games left, every one is important as the team battles for the top seed — and home court advantage in the playoffs.
Wake-up call for Lightning; What needs to change?
Around the Perimeter: London’s two straight losses exposed some team needs; Centre Amir Williams is back — and ready to roll. Lightning set for first taste of TBL American foes.
Rested Lightning enter busy stretch; New additions coming?
Around the Perimeter: London returns to action on 9-game win streak; After 8 days off, Lightning to play 4 in 8 days, starting with KW rematch Sunday; How will Sudbury respond in London this week?
Showdown in Sudbury; Remember the Titans?
Around the Perimeter: London puts perfect road record on the line; Lightning looking to go on the offensive; Mordi away, Isom returns; Plumb Coach of the Month.
Depth and defense key to Lightning’s big start
ound the Perimeter: It’s two more against Windsor this week. Can London sweep four straight?; Bolts holding opponents under 100; What is Lard’s potential? Depth is the difference.
New faces, a Burns return, and a win streak?
Around the Perimeter: Two newcomers will suit up this weekend (Jeremiah Mordi & Elijah Lufile); Terry Thomas back from injury, Mareik Isom banged up; Depth win a good sign for Plumb.
Jackson debuts; Burns leading man early
Around the Perimeter: Justin Jackson’s return to the court was a promising one; Jordan Burns among league scoring leaders; Newcomers Mike Nuga, Antwon Lillard bringing the energy, Isom knocking down the shots.
Around the Perimeter: London hoopsters shining abroad
Sharpe has been, well, sharp early in NBA career; Carleton spending the winter shooting in Spain; NBLC TV is back; Nothing yet on Lightning front, but KW names Clinkscales new coach.
Top skills coach Sewell has a talent for helping talent
Behind the scenes, Dave Sewell has been shaping the game’s of many of the best basketball players in London — including NBA draft pick Shaedon Sharpe. But don’t call him a ‘guru.’ He’d prefer you focus on the players.
Lightning shine in perfectly imperfect season
A shortened NBLC season — the first action in over 700 days — had a bit of everything, writes columnist Jason Winders. And it was all welcome. It meant the return of hoops — and some normalcy — to the Forest City.
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Well-traveled Janisse locking down games for Majors
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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).