Former NBA player named Lightning's coach

London Community News

Just days after revealing the winning nickname of its fan-friendly naming contest, London's National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) club has named their first head coach. The Lightning's bench boss for the inaugural NBL season will be Michael Ray Richardson. Club general manager Taylor Brown told London Community News the former eight-year National Basketball League player is the newest addition to the franchise's staff. Known for both his on-the-court success as well as off-the-court drug problems, Richardson, 56, joins the Lightning after coaching the Lawton-Fort Sill Calvary to the Premier Basketball League title in 2010. He earned Coach of the Year honours for his efforts. As a player, Richardson was drafted fourth overall in 1978 to the New York Knicks. He played guard for the Knicks, New Jersey Nets and Golden State Warriors. The Lubbock, Texas native made four all-star teams.