Lightning strikes in London
Four-time NBA all-star Michael
Ray Richardson has been
announced as the head coach of the
London Lightning, London's first
professional basketball team. The
Lightning will compete in the new
National Basketball League of
Canada, which features seven
teams: the Halifax Rainmen, the
Quebec Kebs, the Saint John Mill
Rats, the Oshawa Power, The
Island PEI, the Moncton Miracles
and the London Lightning.
Lightning General Manager Taylor Brown and Owner Vito Frijia welcomed Richardson to the city at a press conference on August 23. When hiring someone, Frijia said he looks for "work ethic, character, honesty and smarts. (Richardson) has all four. If he didn't, he wouldn't be here."
Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 1978, has had a long and successful career, both as a player and a coach. "When I first talked to (Frijia), he was looking for a guy who knows how to win, and I told him right away, he's got the right guy," said Richardson. "After being in the minor leagues for five years, being in the championship for five years and winning the last three, I think I know what I'm doing."
Richardson said he plans to bring six players from his last three championship teams to the Lightning. "I'm going to be one step ahead of everybody, so you can believe it's going to be a great year."
The first game is scheduled for November 3 at the John Labatt Centre, the official home of the Lightning, against the Halifax Rainmen. The Lightning will play 18 home games in the regular season for 2011/2012. Visit nblcanada. ca for more information on the league and the full season schedule.
Lightning General Manager Taylor Brown and Owner Vito Frijia welcomed Richardson to the city at a press conference on August 23. When hiring someone, Frijia said he looks for "work ethic, character, honesty and smarts. (Richardson) has all four. If he didn't, he wouldn't be here."
Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 1978, has had a long and successful career, both as a player and a coach. "When I first talked to (Frijia), he was looking for a guy who knows how to win, and I told him right away, he's got the right guy," said Richardson. "After being in the minor leagues for five years, being in the championship for five years and winning the last three, I think I know what I'm doing."
Richardson said he plans to bring six players from his last three championship teams to the Lightning. "I'm going to be one step ahead of everybody, so you can believe it's going to be a great year."
The first game is scheduled for November 3 at the John Labatt Centre, the official home of the Lightning, against the Halifax Rainmen. The Lightning will play 18 home games in the regular season for 2011/2012. Visit nblcanada. ca for more information on the league and the full season schedule.
