Lightning looking to Mockford for leadership

With a lengthy international resume, including years on Great Britain’s national team, veteran Ben Mockford brings experience and tenacity to a new London Lightning roster this year.

(Photo: Barry Field Photography).

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Gritty. No-nonsense. Firebrand. A sharpshooter who sees his role beyond scoring. A consummate teammate. A leader on and off the floor.

Doug Plumb has a lot to like about Ben Mockford, but there is one particular part of the newcomer’s play and personality that makes him a fit for a London Lightning squad making its Basketball Super League (BSL) debut.

“Ben is tough as nails. He’s in a good headspace. He’s not just playing for money; he’s still playing for the love of the game. He’s a fantastic leader and competitor – and has played on some of the game’s biggest stages,” the Lightning head coach said.

“Want to talk resiliency? You think Ben Mockford is getting phased if we go to Windsor and someone is talking shit to him? You think he cares? He doesn’t give a shit. He’s there to play.”

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Mockford played university ball at Iona and St. Francis (NY), before a pro career in Greece, Spain, and England. He first took the court for his country as a teen in 2008 with Great Britain’s Under-20 squad.

After being part of the GB Futures (U23) in 2012, Mockford was called up to the Men’s Senior National Team two years later. Ever since, the left-handed shooting standout has been a key cog for the Brits.

Last year, Mockford became one of only 11 players in the 75-year history of the National Team to reach the 50-cap milestone. After earning No. 50 against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece in 2022, Mockford eventually boasted 55 international caps over nine years before he retired from the National Team late last year.

“I was the oldest player, and it was time for the younger generation to build their core and their team,” he said. “But for me, the national team definitely has been a highlight of my career.”

He may have stepped away from the National Team, but Mockford’s game reflects the style of international play that global hoops fans have been discovering more and more over the last decade.

“The differences aren’t major in international play. It’s more the little things. Guys are extremely efficient – one or two dribbles to score. Guys are also extremely smart – high, high basketball IQ. So, there are a lot of backdoor cuts, a lot of great ball movement. They are obviously very talented, but these players are surprisingly athletic. I think the stereotype of European basketball is slower and not as athletic, but at the international level, those guys are very athletic, long, and tall.”

(Photo: Barry Field Photography).

Team Canada’s run in the 2023 FIBA World Cup brought a lot of this into focus for Canadian fans. Not only did Canada win its first-ever medal (beating the U.S., no less, to win bronze), but other exciting firsts dominated the tournament, including Germany winning its first title and five African teams winning a game in group play.

For many fans of the game, it was their first exposure to the excitement of international play.

“With the success of the European guys in the NBA, it’s definitely put eyes on where they come from, where did they play,” Mockford said. “That gap is growing ever closer between the European game and the NBA. The talent is maybe, maybe the closest it’s ever been right now. Both play different styles, but both are great in their own right.”

Essentially growing up on his National Team, the now 34-year-old Mockford notes the way he matured both as a player and a person during his tenure.

“When you play with the National Team, you’re competing against world-class talent, multiple NBA guys, multiple Euroleague guys, just extremely intelligent basketball players every night. Even when you play some of the smaller basketball countries, like us (GB), you can’t take nights off because those guys can really play. I’ve learned a ton being around those guys, those coaches. You just soak everything up.”

He continued, “Naturally, I came into the National Team as the one of the young guys. I just learned from those leaders. Over the years, you gain so much experience, you start seeing different things on the floor, off the floor, and then you try and teach everyone else what you’ve learned, what you’ve gone through, the mistakes you’ve made, the things you’ve done to help you. I try and pass all that on.”

(Photo: Barry Field Photography).

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It was a former Bolt, fellow Brit and national squad teammate that sealed the deal for Mockford to join the Lightning.

Londoners remember Kyle Johnson as a member of the franchise from 2016-2018, when he won back-to-back championships on teams led by head coaches Kyle Julius and Keith Vassell, respectively. Johnson still holds the team record for field goals made, scoring 51 points on 17-of-21 shooting from the field in a 146-102 against the Moncton Miracles.

The Scarborough, Ont., native (and British national) was a member (and fellow 50-cap club member) of the GB National Team starting in 2011, where he played in the 2011, 2013, and 2017 Eurobasket Championships, as well as the 2012 London Olympics.

Mockford said Johnson spoke highly of the Lightning, its coaching staff, and ownership. London, Johnson said, would be a great location to continue an international career.

Heading into the 2023-24 BSL season, Mockford joins a “rock solid” veteran leadership core for a squad that includes forward Jermaine Haley Jr. and guard Jeremiah Mordi. Almost from their first meeting, Plumb made it clear what he expected – and it’s a role Mockford understands clearly.

“I know they expect me to bring my experience to help our roster through whatever ups and downs we go through during the season,” he said. “Obviously, I shoot the ball, as that’s been my job throughout my whole career. I’ve been a shooter. In general, I look to bring a composure to the game, try and help my teammates make the game easier for them in whatever way I can, whether that’s creating shots for them or staying in the corner spacing out for guys to do their thing.

“I bring a little bit of everything to the team and be that coach on the floor that Doug needs.”

However, Mockford doesn’t have years to craft those relationships with teammates as he did on the National Team. A new team, a new league, new opponents, the Lightning need to figure out things fast. They have months to become the kind of team they hope to be.

“Naturally, I understand the game. So, with basketball things, that will kind of come off the top of my head. But obviously, I’ll get to know my teammates over time, throughout the season as I’ll get to understand their games.”

Plumb loves the scoring possibilities, but he expects more than numbers from his import.

“Ben is not going to need to have 30-point games. He might have them here and there, but his impact isn’t just on the scoresheet. His impact will be felt from a leadership standpoint, from an execution standpoint, from a professionalism standpoint. If you’re a leader at those things, then the rest of the team follows suit.”

It’s a role Mockford is excited to take on.

“I’m 6-foot-2 on a good day. I’m always one of the smallest guys on the court. So, you play with a chip on your shoulder, and you try and let people know that you’re there and you can definitely have an impact on the game.”

He continued, “With the National Team, I was never a leading scorer or anything like that, but I definitely was the heart of the team and brought the fight to the games. Everyone fed off of my energy and competitiveness, and that’s why I stuck around for a long time. I can hit a few shots, but they really fed off my competitiveness.”