For the fourth time in league history, a London Lightning coach has been named the top coach in the National Basketball League of Canada.
The NBLC announced Tuesday that Lightning coach Doug Plumb is this season's Coach of the Year.
“He’s the kind of coach who will work harder than every one of his players. He puts 100 per cent of himself into everything he does,” Lightning GM Mark Frijia said in a news release issued Tuesday. "He’s a coach that can spot talent and work his hardest to help that player maximize it. Doug works harder than any coach I have ever seen. He practices what he preaches – he expects the best out of himself and his players every day."
Plumb became head coach of the Lightning prior to the 2019-2020 season, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially joined the Lightning as an assistant coach in 2016-2017 before leaving to join the St. John's Edge.
“Hands down, the hardest-working coach in the league this year,” said NBLC VP of Basketball Operations Audley Stephenson. “Intense. Focused. He always has his team’s goals in mind. I am not surprised at the success he has had this season. He has earned this honour by bringing out the best in every member of his team. His love of the game and passion for it shines through.”
Plumb's win marks the fourth time a Lightning coach has been won the Coach of the Year award. It was won by Michael Ray Richardson in the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons and by Kyle Julius in the 2016-2017 season.
