Gabe Freeman of the London Lightning has captured the most valuable player award in the National Basketball League of Canada's inaugural season.

The six-foot-seven small forward leads the league in rebounds with 12.5 per game, and is the league's third leading scorer, averaging 17.9 points per game.

"I feel like I put in a lot of hard work this season and it paid off," Freeman said in a statement. "I'm surrounded by a great coach, great players and teammates. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I reached my goal but now I want to win a championship."

The Lightning advanced to the NBL best-of-final final, where they'll meet either the Halifax Rainmen or Quebec Kebs.

Freeman, a product of Costa Mesa Jr. College in California, was also selected to the First Team All-NBL and First Team All-Defence.

"I think it was well-deserved," said Lightning coach Micheal Ray Richardson. "He has been an unstoppable threat on the court this season and goes into every game and practice ready to contribute and work hard."