NBA Development League: Team History

Team History

February 14, 1989 - The Kemper Lesnik Organization announced its intention to place a CBA expansion team in Sioux Falls, S.D. Based in Chicago, the company provided the city of Sioux Falls with its first professional sports team. The team's nickname, Skyforce, was selected from 1,045 entries submitted in a "Name the Team" contest. Head Coach Ron Ekker and the Skyforce made their debut in the Sioux Falls Arena on Nov. 16, 1989, falling to the Rapid City Thrillers, 85-79, before a crowd of 5,125.

May 13, 1993 - Local ownership took hold when Sioux Falls businessmen Bob Correa, Greg Heineman, Roger Larsen and Tom Walsh purchased the Skyforce from the Kemper Lesnik Organization. The four community business leaders quickly established three goals:

Provide Sioux Falls, fans and corporate partners with the best family entertainment value in the area.
Provide Sioux Falls with the best CBA franchise in America both on-and-off the basketball court.
Enhance the image of Sioux Falls as the best place to live in America.

Those goals remain the focus of the organization to this day. Greg Heineman continues to build upon the foundation set up by him and his partners in 1993. With his leadership, the organization is stronger than ever.

1994 - Flip Saunders was hired as head coach and led Sioux Falls to their first winning record (34-22) and their first playoff appearance.

1995 - After Saunders was appointed head coach of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, the Skyforce named Morris "Mo" McHone the new sideline captain. The Florida State alum went on to become the winningest coach in Skyforce history, compiling a 142-82 (.634) record from 1995-99. McHone led the Skyforce to the CBA Finals three times in four seasons, winning the championship in 1996.

1999 - Jim Broveli was hired as the sixth head coach in franchise history. He led the 'Force to a record of 30-26 (.536) and a sixth straight playoff appearance.

2000 - Jim Sleeper was hired as the seventh head coach in franchise history. Led team to an 8-15 record before the CBA ceased operations on February 8, 2001. Skyforce joined the IBL and finished with a record of 16-14 before losing to Rockford in the playoffs.

2001 - Skyforce owners announced that the franchise would be joining a revitalized CBA. Former assistant coach Paul Woolpert was hired as the franchise's eighth head coach. Woolpert led the Skyforce to a 33-23 (.589) record, which at the time was the second best winning percentage in team history.

2004 - Skyforce hired Dave Joerger, making him the eleventh coach in franchise history. Joerger was tabbed "The Next Big Thing" as he joined the 'Force after winning two championships in three seasons with the Dakota Wizards. Joerger did not disappoint as the 'Force won the 2005 CBA Championship after defeating the Rockford Lightning 3-1 in the CBA Finals.

April 6, 2006 - The Skyforce announced that they were joining the NBA Development League after 17 seasons in the CBA. The 'Force made the jump to the D-League along with the Colorado 14ers, Dakota Wizards and Idaho Stampede.