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Sioux Falls Skyforce

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Sioux Falls Skyforce
Sioux Falls Skyforce
source
NameSioux Falls Skyforce
Founded1989
HistorySioux Falls Skyforce, 1989–present
ArenaSanford Pentagon
LocationSioux Falls, South Dakota
LeagueNBA G League
ConferenceWestern Conference
DivisionMidwest Division
ColorsNavy, Sky Blue, Yellow, White
General managerAdam Simon
Head coachKasib Powell
OwnershipMiami Heat
AffiliationsMiami Heat (2003–2008, 2013–present), Minnesota Timberwolves (2009–2013), Orlando Magic (2002–2003), Chicago Bulls (1999–2002)
Championships3 (1996, 2005, 2016)

Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Sioux Falls Skyforce are a professional basketball team in the NBA G League and the affiliate of the Miami Heat. Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the franchise is one of the oldest and most successful in minor league basketball history, having captured three league championships. The team plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Sanford Pentagon.

History

Founded in 1989, the franchise began play in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), quickly establishing a strong regional following. Under the ownership of Mike Heineman, the team won its first championship in 1996, defeating the Florida Beach Dogs in the CBA Finals. Following the CBA's decline, the Skyforce joined the International Basketball League in 1999 before becoming a charter member of the NBA Development League (now the NBA G League) in 2001. The organization secured its second title in 2005 in the CBA and its third in 2016 as a member of the NBA G League, led by coach Dan Craig. A pivotal moment in franchise history came in 2013 when the Miami Heat purchased the team, creating a single-affiliate model that deepened the developmental pipeline.

Home arenas

The team initially played at the Sioux Falls Arena, a multi-purpose venue that hosted numerous memorable games and events. In 2013, the Skyforce moved to the newly constructed Sanford Pentagon, a unique facility featuring nine courts and a distinctive pentagon shape. This state-of-the-art complex, which also houses the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's "Court of Dreams," has become a national destination for basketball. The Pentagon has hosted events like the ESPN-televised The Basketball Tournament and serves as the headquarters for Sanford Health.

Season-by-season record

The Skyforce have compiled a historically strong regular-season record across multiple leagues. Notable seasons include the 1995–96 CBA championship campaign and the 2004–05 season, which culminated in another title under coach Mo McHone. In the NBA G League, the team's most successful season was 2015–16, finishing with a 40–10 record and winning the championship under Dan Craig. The franchise has made numerous playoff appearances, including runs to the finals in 2013 and 2022, and has consistently been a contender in the Western Conference.

Players

The Skyforce roster has featured a mix of promising prospects and seasoned veterans. Notable alumni who advanced to the NBA include Hassan Whiteside, Rodney Carney, and Duncan Robinson. The team has also been a destination for players with extensive international experience, such as Andre Dawkins and Larry Drew II. Under the Miami Heat affiliation, players like Brianté Weber and Okaro White used their time with the Skyforce to earn NBA call-ups. The franchise's all-time leading scorer is Anthony Mason, who played during the team's early CBA years.

Coaches

The franchise has been led by several influential coaches. Early success came under Mo McHone, who guided the team to its 2005 championship. Pat Delany served as head coach during the team's transition to the Miami Heat affiliate. Dan Craig, a longtime Heat developmental coach, led the Skyforce to the 2016 title and was named NBA G League Coach of the Year. Former player Kasib Powell, a member of the 2016 championship team, was named head coach in 2023. Other notable sideline leaders include Nate Tibbetts and Phil Weber.

Rivalries

A historic and intense rivalry existed with the Rapid City Thrillers during the CBA era, with numerous playoff meetings captivating fans across South Dakota. In the NBA G League, a competitive division rivalry has developed with the Iowa Wolves, the affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Games against the Oklahoma City Blue and the Memphis Hustle are also marked by heightened competition due to frequent postseason encounters. These rivalries are fueled by geographic proximity and battles for Midwest Division supremacy.

Achievements and honors

The Skyforce have won three league championships: the 1996 and 2005 CBA titles, and the 2016 NBA G League championship. The franchise has claimed several division and conference titles throughout its history. Individual honors include multiple MVP awards, with Jimmie Hunter winning in 2005 and Jarnell Stokes earning the accolade in 2016. Coaches Mo McHone and Dan Craig have been recognized as Coach of the Year, and several players have been named to All-League and All-Defensive teams.

Category:NBA G League teams Category:Sports in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Category:Basketball teams in South Dakota Category:1989 establishments in South Dakota