Coach Nate Tibbetts leaves Skyforce for 66ers

The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that head coach Nate Tibbetts has resigned to accept a position with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tibbetts has been named head coach of their NBA Development League affiliate, the Tulsa 66ers. Tulsa is one of three NBA owned franchises in the NBA Development League along with the Austin Toros (San Antonio Spurs) and Los Angeles D-Fenders (Los Angeles Lakers).

Tibbetts joins the 66ers after spending the past four seasons with the Skyforce. After two seasons as an assistant coach, Tibbetts was promoted to head coach prior to the 2007-08 season. In two seasons as head coach he guided Sioux Falls to a 53-47 (.530) mark including a playoff berth during the 2007-08 season.

Before joining the Skyforce in 2005, Tibbetts was an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Sioux Falls for four years (2001-05). In his four seasons at USF, the Cougars posted a record of 92-44 (.676), including two trips to the NAIA Division II National Tournament. The 2003-04 team posted a school record 26 wins before falling to Bellevue University (Neb.) 72-60 in the Final Four of the NAIA Division II Tournament.

Tibbetts enjoyed a successful playing career at the University of South Dakota. He ranks second all-time in the USD record books in career assists (678) and steals (215). He was named to the All-North Central Conference (NCC) team in 2000-01 and Honorable Mention All-NCC in 1999-00.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2009-10 season. For information please contact a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.