Lightning add Williams for second half

Amir Williams is back with the Lightning, the team announced Tuesday. The 6-foot-11 centre played a major role in helping London win last year’s NBLC title, averaging 17 points and 8.9 rebounds in 27 games.

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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The London Lightning made a splash Tuesday, announcing the signing of Amir Williams, who played a major role in helping the team win the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) title last spring, their fifth in franchise history.

Williams returns after spending more than two months playing in Malaysia for NS Matrix in the ASEAN League (ABL). In 13 games there, the 6-foot-11 centre averaged 20.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for third-place NS Matrix (10-4), who were recently eliminated from the playoffs by HK Eastern in two straight.

Last year, in his debut in the NBLC, Williams was a force for the Lightning, putting up averages of 17 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 27 games overall, including playoffs, where London swept six straight (three vs. Windsor in the semi and three against the KW Titans in the Final) to capture the 2022 NBLC championship.

Now, Williams will try to help lift London to a second straight title — and their sixth in franchise history. A proven shot blocker, rebounder and efficient scorer, he’s sure to give the Lightning a boost in the second half of the season.

“Amir is the best big in the league,” Doug Plumb, London’s head coach, said matter-of-factly. “He’s right up there with Royce White and Glen Davis in terms of all-time talented bigs who have come through our league. We’re excited to have him back as we look to repeat.”

Williams most recently played March 8. In a 76-70 loss that ended NS Matrix’s season, the Detroit, MI native tallied 26 points and 12 rebounds in 40 minutes. His season highs were 31 points (Jan. 17) and 16 rebounds (March 6).

An Ohio State alum, where he played four seasons and reached the Final Four in his freshman season, Williams has played professionally around the world, including in New Zealand, Switzerland, Hungary, the UK and Mexico. He’s also had stints in the G League.

“He brings championship pedigree and a familiarity,” said Plumb, noting that Williams will bring the Lightning all-important presence down low. London, in fact, is coming off a game — an upset loss to KW — where they were outscored 66-42 in the paint.

Lightning fans no doubt remember some big games from Williams in 2022, during which he shot 64.4 percent in 27 games overall and was honoured, at season’s end, by being named to the NBLC’s All-League First Team.

Williams had a pair of 40-point games last year, including a monster 40-point, 18-rebound double-double in the final game of the regular season, May 12, 2022, a 125-115 win over the Sudbury Five.

Sudbury will likely be the first opponent he faces in 2023 — though it won’t come tomorrow night. Williams isn’t expected to be available for this week’s home games, but rather debut Sunday in Sudbury.