London Lightning

See the latest coverage on the London Lightning
Chris Jones was dismissed from the Lightning last week after an on-court outburst in Sudbury Thursday that resulted in an ejection and a suspension. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
Basketball

The Devil and Chris Jones

Lightning point guard Chris Jones spoke only days ago about struggling with his mother’s death, wrestling with his own demons, and his hopes of a new start in London – hopes now dashed by his own hand.

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The only Lightning loss to a Canadian squad so far this year happened Apr. 2, 2022 on the road against the KW Titans (103-102). (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
Basketball

How do you beat the Lightning? Ask their coach.

They’re 13-2. Unbeaten at home. But they are beatable. They have their flaws, and coach Doug Plumb knows it. He’s working tirelessly to address the team’s weaknesses — and have his troops ready to peak come playoff time.

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Basketball players
Basketball

Around the Perimeter: Tough road sched ahead

The Lightning didn’t set a record for wins to start a season, but they’re 3.5 games up on KW Titans in the standings. Those foes will face off Wednesday. That, plus accolades, new signings and more from our hoops columnist Jason Winders

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(Photo: Luke Durda).
Basketball

The best is yet to come for Williams

Amir Williams, the Lightning’s premier big man, is an efficient scorer and top shot blocker. As his minutes continue to climb, he just may be the key to the team’s chances at a fifth NBLC title this season.

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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).