Terry Thomas Named NBLC Canadian Player of the Year
May 24, 2022 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release
Veteran Canadian forward Terry Thomas of the London Lightning, arguably the most valuable player on the league's best team, has been named NBL Canada Canadian Player of the Year, league officials announced today. Thomas previously won Canadian Player of the Year honours as a member of the PEI Island Storm after the 2016-17 season.
"Terry is one of the best Canadians to play in the league in the history of the league," said Lightning head coach Doug Plumb. "This season he has been a pillar for our team. Not only has he performed - and performed when we needed it most - but he has played through injury and ailments all year long."
In 2022, the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native entered the NBL Canada's Top 10 list for all-time scoring during one of his most balanced seasons ever. He finished the season ranked in the Top 10 for minutes played, field goals and 3-pointers made, total rebounds, rebounds per game, steals, and blocks. His 374 points was good for ninth in the league. In his sixth NBL Canada season, the 6-foot-4-inch forward finished averaging 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 22 games.
Plumb continued, "Terry is one of the toughest competitors you will ever meet. He is extremely deserving of this recognition and I'm happy for him."
Thomas played collegiately for both St. Francis Xavier and the University of Ottawa. He has had a decorated Canadian and international playing career. His ever-growing trophy case includes NBL Canada Canadian Player of the Year, Venezuelan League Finals MVP and champion, First Team All-NBL Canada, First Team All-NBLC Defense, and Williams Jones Cup Gold Medalist.
"Everything that can be said about this hard-working Canadian vet has probably already been said. This is a well-deserved honour for one of the league's all-time contributors," said Audley Stephenson, NBLC VP of Basketball Operations. "His body of works speaks for itself. He's one of the toughest guys in the league - a warrior, a battler, a guy who constantly gives his all. He has represented himself, his family, and his organization quite well in everything he has done."
Thomas is the third member of Lightning to win the award, following Garrett Williamson in 2013-14 and Warren Ward in 2015-16. Previous winners of the NBL Canada Canadian Player of the Year Award include:
2011-12 | Joey Haywood, Halifax Rainmen
2012-13 | Joey Haywood, Halifax Rainmen
2013-14 | Garrett Williamson, London Lightning
2014-15 | Tyrone Watson, Halifax Rainmen
2015-16 | Warren Ward, London Lightning
2016-17 | Terry Thomas, Island Storm
2017-18 | Carl English, St. John's Edge
2018-19 | Guillaume Boucard, Island Storm
2019-20 | Alex Campbell, Island Storm
All player award winners will receive their own customized championship ring courtesy of long-time NBL Canada partner and playoff sponsor, Baron Championship Rings.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from May 24, 2022
- Doug Plumb Named NBLC Coach of the Year - NBL Canada
- Terry Thomas Named NBLC Canadian Player of the Year - NBL Canada
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