The man who led the London Lightning to its first two NBL Canada championships has passed away.
Micheal Ray Richardson died in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 70, shortly after getting diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to ESPN.
“The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman,” his friend and attorney John Zelbst told Andscape.com.
“He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.”
Richardson was named NBL Canada Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013 leading London to the first two titles in league history.
The former NBA star selected fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft was a four-time all-star, two-time NBA All-Defence First Team and 1985 NBA Comeback Player of the Year.
Richardson was banned from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league’s drug policy for a third time. He had substance abuse problems stemming from cocaine use.
After coaching the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to three consecutive titles, he came to London in 2011.
When the NBL was born from nothing, Richardson was an important hire, bringing a notable name and a group of six key players including Tim Ellis, Gabe Freeman, DeAnthony Bowden, Shawn Daniels and Eddie Smith which helped London capture its first two championships.
