The London Lightning have announced Canadian Kyle Julius as the new head coach of the club.
“It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to join the Lightning family,” said Julius. “Vito Frijia, Taylor Brown and company have built one of the most important pillars in the foundation of Canadian basketball, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Julius joins the Lightning after serving one season as the head coach of the former Mississauga Power.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kyle to the Lightning organization,” said London Lightning owner, Vito Frijia. “Kyle is a great leader and teacher, and he will help our players grow and develop. He knows the challenge ahead and has embraced it; he will instill our team with passion, purpose and grit.”
Julius is also the founder of A-Game Hoops, a basketball training system which has developed over 250 athletes including 30 NCAA Division 1 players and many professional players as well, including former Toronto Raptor Andrea Bargnani, NBL All-Stars, European Pros, CIS All Canadians and many National Team Players.
“We are looking to recruit players with tremendous character and a great work ethic,” Julius said. “Our goal is to make a daily commitment to improving each day and to building a team that will make London proud. If we can get better each day, we will be successful.”
Before starting his coaching career and founding A-Game Hoops, Julius was an accomplished player at the high school and collegiate levels. Julius led Cathedral High School to an undefeated record and an OFSAA AAA championship. He was the 1998/1999 Southern Conference All Rookie Team at Furman University. He was named All-Canadian at the University of Guelph in 2004, and became the second All-Time leading scorer in school history while at Guelph. In 2005, Julius was a member of the Canadian National Team. From there, he played professionally for two seasons in Italy and then in Cyprus. Julius also played for the London Lightning during the team’s inaugural season in 2011, making him the first player in the NBL to become a head coach.
“London is an amazing city with some of the best sports fans in the country,” Julius said. “I can’t wait to get started and pour my soul into making the city and organization proud.”
Julius moved to London on Sept. 1, and will be joined by his wife, Yean, and his children, Marcus and Mateo.
