London Lightning: NBLC Team Previews
The London Lightning went into the 2018-19 season as defending champions and finished top of the Central Division, but weren't entirely convincing, which showed when they then suffered an early exit to the KW Titans in the playoffs.
That was then and this is now. Created in response to the shortcomings of last season, the 2019-20 roster, made up mostly of an already feared unit in the NBLC, is raring to go to restore their stature in the league.
The first good news for the Lightning is they have reclaimed the services of their headlines for the past four seasons, Garrett Williamson, the former Finals MVP who averaged 14.5 points in 41 games for London last year.
Additionally, the Lightning have re-signed their formidable backcourt duo, AJ Gaines and Xavier Moon, as well as swingman Marcus Capers and small forward Mo Bolden, who will be playing his sixth season with the Lightning in 2019-20.
They are not the only ones the Lightning will also be welcoming back to the Gardens. Marvin Singleton, who last played for them in the 2016-17 season, returns to the team having since applied his trade with the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League and Karhu in Finland.
Also returning is incoming head coach Doug Plumb, who last served as the decision-maker for the St. John's Edge. Having previously served in London as an assistant coach in the 2016-17 season, when they brought home their third championship, Plumb will have a familiarity with the franchise and team culture that should make the transition into his new job far easier.
Making their debut in London will be two decorated players from NBL Canada past: Omar Strong, the 2015 NBLC Sixth Man of the Year, and Jaylon Tate, the 2018 Rookie of the Year. Two from the inactive Saint John Riptide will be joining with the Lightning as well, forward Mareik Isom and centre Randy Phillips.
Charles Boozer, a 2018 draft selection, ex-Iowa State Cyclone and brother of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, will be looking to make a name for himself with the Lightning this season. He is one of four new signings rounding off the roster.
The others are Torontonian guard and Green Bay Phoenix alum Tevin Findlay, forward Otas Iyekekpolor, who played over summer with the Fraser Valley Bandits, and Burlington-born Abednego Lufile, who follows in the footsteps of his brothers Chadrack and Meshack in joining an NBLC team.
This is a tantalising roster, packed with skilful players, many of whom will be familiar with their surroundings in the new season. Others bringing outside experience to the team will be the X factor when the opposing sides start to formulate ways to beat them.
As always, there will be big expectations on the most successful franchise in the league's history to do well, but with this line-up they have it completely within them to live up to those expectancy.
