After winning game four of their championship series against the Summerside Storm back in April, the London Lightning became the first ever back-to-back champions in the NBL. Now, heading into the 2013-14 season, the Lightning face a new challenge: a Three-peat.
It’s a challenge that has become the theme for the entire season for the Lightning, and they will be focusing and preparing for each game with that mindset as they seek to win their third straight championship.
To help accomplish this goal, the team is happy to bring back five key players. These players include season one MVP, Gabe Freeman, season two MVP, Marvin Phillips, and ‘Canadian Superstar’ Antwi Atuahene. Also returning is the total and average point leader from last season, Elvin Mims, and the leader in minutes played, Tim Ellis.
As each of these players has experience and success playing in London, they will play crucial roles in leading the team throughout the season. The Lightning is also excited about the talent that has been added to the team this year. That list includes guards James Millen, Jaytornah Wisseh and Garrett Williamson, as well as forwards Maurice Bolden, Greg Surmacz and Al’Lonzo Coleman.
Having experienced such a great deal of success over the past two seasons, there is a lot of expectation from within the Lightning organization to win. The fans and the City of London have also grown accustomed to winning, and they will expect much from the team. With all of the added pressure, the team must continue to focus on the journey and maintain the proper mindset to reach their goal. Additionally, their undefeated streak has put the rest of the league on notice and has put a target on the Lightning’s back, as other teams will be gunning for them this year.
The 2013-14 season begins on November 1, as the Lightning face off against the Windsor Express followed by their home opener on November 2 at Budweiser Gardens. The Road to the Threepeat begins here!
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