CREDIT: QMI AGENCY
The London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada have opened training camp with an eye to winning a third consecutive championship.

The London Lightning have kicked off their training camp with lots of options for an already quality side that has won back-to-back National Basketball League of Canada championships. Coach Michael Ray Richardson has had his work cut out for him, selecting 12 players out of the 22 players invited to camp. However, he does have some familiarity on his side.

The best part of the roster is the returning players. One of the most difficult things about building a roster in this league is keeping players around for longer than a year. London kept five: Antwi Atuahene Elvin Mims, Tim Ellis, Adrian Moss and Marvin Phillips all started at least one game. Ellis will be playing in his third straight season with London, a feat that is unheard of in this league.

The two-time NBL champions will be looking to improve two things: rebounding and defence amongst guards.

On the boards they have 2011 MVP Gabe Freeman back to London after a stint in the Philippines. He was key for London in their first year rebounding, leading the league in rebounds per game (12.2) and defensive rebounds per game (9.2). They also have Phillips back for a full season. He is an absolute beast, destroying guys inches taller than him thanks to his wingspan and athleticism.

Now, when it comes to the defensive guards, there might be some shortage there. They have lost DeAnthony Bowden to the front office as an assistant GM. He was a good veteran guard who always put defence first. When it comes to returnees, Canadian Atuahene was a very good defensive guard who was close to cracking the lineup last year, so he can build on that reputation and hopefully see a starting gig come November.

It's a big camp, but it is also a long one. They will hold a more formal ‘black versus gold' preseason intra-squad game on October 15, but other than that, it is closed camp almost every day at the YMCA until November. With this level of preparation, the club could top their previous record of 11 straight wins to open the season.

Marty Thompson is the play-by-play voice of the London Lightning for their livestream, SportsLive24.net. This is just one of a four part set, previewing the upcoming season.