The London Lightning have locked up coach Michael Ray Richardson through the 2013-14 season
Michael Ray Richardson said that he has signed a one-year extension to his current contract and short of a job offer in the National Basketball League, Michael Ray Richardson will be with the Lightning through this year and the next.
Michael Ray Richardson signed a two-year-deal with the club when they came into existence along with the National Baskeball League of Canada last year.
It was going to happen in the end anyway, Michael Ray Richardson said. Its better that it happens now so that we can get it out of the way.
Michael Ray Richardson led the Lightning to the NBL title in its first season. It was his fourth title in six years as a coach and in those six years, hes never failed to make the final in whatever league he coached in.
Michael Ray Richardson has developed a close relationship with Lightning owner Vito Frijia and general manager Taylor Brown.
We get along, Michael Ray Richardson said. I know how Vito runs his business and a big part of winning is how the business is handled at the top.
To show the kind of relationship the three have, when Brown was asked about the financial terms of the contract he said, We pay him in donuts.
Michael Ray Richardson has been tremendous for basketball in this city. Hes a regular at community events, is accessible and asks the same of his players. Michael Ray Richardson knows how to sell the game and the job he and the Lightning have done have put the Lightning on the fast track to becoming an integral part of the community.
It was a no-brainer when deciding whether to extend Micheals contract, Brown said. Micheal Ray has been an absolute essential part of our organization. His work in the community and with the youth of London has been remarkable.
This is like a second home to me, Michael Ray Richardson said. Its nice to know you have some place where you can always come back to.
There is an understanding that if Michael Ray Richardson has an opportunity to coach in a significantly more prominent league no one will stand in his way.
Would I like to coach in the NBA? Of course, Michael Ray Richardson said. But Im not putting all my marbles in that bag.
Stability is important at the top of any organization. There are eight teams in the NBL. The Windsor Express are an expansion franchise. Of the other seven teams only three have the same coaches they started the season with last year.
It is hard to find a more competitive person than Micheal Ray. His drive and passion has helped steer this franchise," Brown said.
We are definitely excited to have him here in London and not having to compete against him. Courtesy of: lfpress.com
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Pro basketball for Brampton - May 3, 2013
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The Brampton Powerade Centre will be a busy place this fall and beyond. There were concerns raised over the use of the facility after the Ontario Hockey Leagues Brampton Battalion announced theyd be leaving for North Bay this summer. But the facility wont become the white elephant, that some thought it might be. The City of Brampton helped land the Brampton Beast a Central Hockey League team shortly after the Troops announced their departure [read more]
The Brampton Powerade Centre will be a busy place this fall and beyond. There were concerns raised over the use of the facility after the Ontario Hockey Leagues Brampton Battalion announced theyd be leaving for North Bay this summer. But the facility wont become the white elephant, that some thought it might be. The City of Brampton helped land the Brampton Beast a Central Hockey League team shortly after the Troops announced their departure. And it was made official on Wednesday that a new National Basketball League of Canada franchise known as the Brampton As will begin play this fall in the facility. Basketball is an international sport, said As GM/head coach David Magley as the team introduced its president Jesse Tipping and owner James Tipping. We chose Brampton because of if its diversity. And if Wednesdays event is any indication, the basketball team could be a resounding success. Theres a sense of excitement, admitted James Tipping, who also owns the Athletic Institute in Orangeville. How can there not be in an environment like this, but we know weve got a lot of work ahead of us. About 150 filled the RealStars Restaurant for the official announcement. I know there is a love and passion for basketball in this community, said NBL Canada president Andre Levingston. And there will be an instant rivalry with Mississauga. NBL Canada announced last week that the Oshawa Power would be re-locating to the Hershey Centre for the upcoming season. That will bring the number teams in the league to 10 five in the Atlantic division and five in the Central, where the As will reside. The Powerade Centre will be powered by two professional teams, said Mayor Susan Fennell, after receiving the first-ever Brampton As jersey. I dont get disappointed, I get busy. The As will begin play in early-November. Courtesy of: bramptonguardian.com
The National Basketball League of Canada announced the protected lists for each team for the upcoming 2013-14 season on Thursday. Teams were allowed to protect five players in which they are able to conduct contract negotiations with exclusively. The Summerside Storm protected the following players: Antonio Ballard (6'4''-G/F, college: Miami, OH), Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.), Omari Johnson (6'9''-F-89, college: Oregon St.), Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St [read more]
The National Basketball League of Canada announced the protected lists for each team for the upcoming 2013-14 season on Thursday. Teams were allowed to protect five players in which they are able to conduct contract negotiations with exclusively. The Summerside Storm protected the following players: Antonio Ballard (6'4''-G/F, college: Miami, OH), Brandon Robinson (6'6''-F-89, college: Clayton St.), Omari Johnson (6'9''-F-89, college: Oregon St.), Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's) and Antoine Tisby (6'8''-F/C-83, college: S.Carolina). Teams will have until Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m., to have their protected players signed to a player contract. Players who are not signed will become eligible to be contacted by all league teams. Courtesy of: journalpioneer.com
The Ottaway Skyhawks got their first head coach. The newest NBLC team has announced the hiring of Kevin Keathley to the position. The US specialist worked with the Souk Valley Predators in PBL lately. He was selected as NBA D-League Pre-Draft Coach in 2012. Previously Kevin Keathley had stints with the East Kentucky Miners, Kentucky Colonels, Southeast Texas Mavericks. He also worked as coach assistant with the Louisville Eagles, Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Bakersfield Jam [read more]
The Ottaway Skyhawks got their first head coach. The newest NBLC team has announced the hiring of Kevin Keathley to the position. The US specialist worked with the Souk Valley Predators in PBL lately. He was selected as NBA D-League Pre-Draft Coach in 2012. Previously Kevin Keathley had stints with the East Kentucky Miners, Kentucky Colonels, Southeast Texas Mavericks. He also worked as coach assistant with the Louisville Eagles, Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Bakersfield Jam. Kevin Keathley earned Pro Basketball News Top Ten Minor League Coaches Award in 2006 and 2009. In 2010 the specialist was named the ABA Assistant Coach of the Year. The Ottawa Skyhawks will start their debut pre-season at the end of October. They are scheduled for a number of exhibition encounters.
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