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Every day is a learning opportunity for London Lightning rookie Otas Iyekekpolor.

The six-foot-eight power forward from Edmonton is an eager student of the game, soaking in all the knowledge he can in his first year as a professional.

Iyekekpolor played for the Fraser Valley Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League over the summer and then briefly in France, before joining the Lightning.

And adjusting to the National Basketball League of Canada game has been a learning curve for the 23-year-old.

“Every league is different,” he said. “In Europe the basketball style is a little different than in North America. Here you have a lot more athleticism, more skill.”

Iyekekpolor said Lightning veterans such as Garrett Williamson, Marcus Capers and Maurice Bolden have helped him make the transition after five years playing NCAA Division I basketball in the U.S.

“They’ve been very instrumental and encouraging — talking to me, whether it’s on the court or off the court,” he said. “I’m starting to get a feel for it and hopefully it shows on the court and with more wins for our team.”