Terry Thomas Named NBLC Sixth Man of the Year

May 17, 2022 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release

London Lightning forward Terry Thomas
(London Lightning)

"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.

"How much of a treat is it for a coach to have someone like Terry Thomas coming off your bench?" 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. His game puts so much pressure on the other team that they cannot help but react. He is a true foe."

Thomas is the third member of Lightning to win the award, following Eddie Smith in 2011-12 and Rodney Buford in 2012-13. Previous winners of the NBL Canada Sixth Man of the Year Award include:

2011-12 | Eddie Smith, London Lightning

2012-13 | Rodney Buford, London Lightning

2013-14 | Kirk Williams Jr, Mississauga Power

2014-15 | Omar Strong, Mississauga Power

2015-16 | Mike Glover, Halifax Hurricanes

2016-17 | Antoine Mason, Halifax Hurricanes

2017-18 | Ta'Quan Zimmerman, Halifax Hurricanes

2018-19 | Jamal Reynolds, Cape Breton Highlanders

2019-20 | J.R. Holder, Sudbury Five

All player award winners will receive their own customized championship ring courtesy of long-time NBL Canada partner and playoff sponsor, Baron Championship Rings.

London Lightning forward Terry Thomas

National Basketball League of Canada Stories from May 17, 2022

• Bolts Take 2-0 Lead over Express - London Lightning
• Terry Thomas Named NBLC Sixth Man of the Year - NBL Canada

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