Haley, Windsor duo highlight first Lightning signings

A new era has begun, but it will include key returnees Jermaine Haley Jr. and Marcus Ottey. London has also signed former Windsor Express players Jachai Taylor and Nick Garth — and an intriguing player from the UK …

Jermaine Haley Jr. was a difference maker when he returned to the Lightning last year after stints in the NBA’s G League. He was named to the NBLC’s All-Playoffs Team. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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Two returning fan favourites, a pair of familiar opponents, and a hard-nosed international star highlight early signings by the London Lightning as the franchise prepares for the inaugural season of the Basketball Super League (BSL).

Both Jermaine Haley Jr. and Marcus Ottey will suit up for a third season with the Lightning in 2023-24.

Haley, 26, has been one of the Bolts’ most versatile players with the ability to play any spot on the floor. Last season, he averaged 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in only 13 regular season games. The Burnaby, BC, native had an abbreviated stint with the Lightning in 2023, as he spent the early part of the season with Cleveland Charge and Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA’s G League. The 6-foot-7 Haley was a force in the playoffs, including being named to the NBL Canada All-Playoffs team.

Ottey, a 26-year-old shooting guard, has been an important presence for the back-to-back champs, including averaging 9.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season. The 6-foot-2 Toronto native was named to both the 2023 NBL Canada All-Canada First Team and the All-Defence Second Team.

Ottey will be joined by Nick Garth, a 26-year-old point guard who spent the last two seasons with the Windsor Express. Last season, the Houston, Texas, native averaged 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. In the NBL Canada Finals, he scored 44 points in the five-game series against London, including an 18-point effort in a losing cause in Game 4.

“Here’s a guy full of piss and vinegar, but he can really score,” Plumb said of the 6-foot Garth. “I haven’t had that guy on the bench in the last few years who I can just hand the ball to and let run free for 15 or 20 minutes and go out there and create his own buckets. Nick is a guy who can fill it up. Any night, he could go off and score 40.”

Following Garth down the 401 is Jachai Taylor, a 26-year-old shooting guard/forward, who also spent the last two seasons with the Express. Last season, the Illinois native averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Underutilized for most of the year, Taylor was used sparingly in the NBL Canada Finals, although his 16-point performance in Game 5 was among Windsor’s few highlights.

“Jachai is an absolute freak, an incredible all-around athlete. He’ll be a fan favourite because he is as athletic as athletic gets,” Plumb said of the 6-foot-7 Taylor, who played briefly with the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League.

Marcus Ottey’s play was explosive at times in 2023, as he helped bolster a strong Lightning second unit. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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Perhaps the Lightning’s most intriguing early signing is Ben Mockford, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Great Britain.

In April, Mockford retired after almost a decade of leading Great Britain’s senior men’s national team. Known as much for his grit as his scoring ability, the 34-year-old sharpshooter played in a pair of EuroBaskets as part of a Brit squad that posted memorable victories against France, Germany, Montenegro, and Greece.

Mockford also has extensive international professional experience in Spain, Greece, and Great Britain.

“This is a tough-nosed guy who isn’t scared of anybody. He won’t back down from any fight,” Plumb said. “Ben fits the mould of what our culture is all about. Maybe you’re not all glitz and glamour, but you’re definitely about grit.

“If you have played at the levels he has, you cannot only play, but play the game cerebrally. He’s also an older guy. So, from a leadership standpoint, I see him continuing a tradition of strong player leaders that we’ve have had here for the last few years.”

The Lightning begin their quest for a first BSL championship on Dec. 28, when the Sudbury Five welcome the Bolts to the Nickel City in an Opening Night event.