2026-27 Skyforce Season Preview

The Sioux Falls Skyforce, NBA G League affiliate of the Miami HEAT, begin their 2026–27 campaign on Saturday, November 7, with the first of two road matchups against the Grand Rapids Gold at Van Andel Arena.

The upcoming season marks a new chapter for Sioux Falls, with Mario Casamajor entering his first season as head coach and Liam Doyle taking over as general manager. The Skyforce enter the year with a combination of returning contributors, experienced NBA veterans and emerging talent looking to make an impact within the Miami HEAT organization.

Casamajor, named the 23rd head coach in franchise history in September, leads a coaching staff featuring assistants Remy N’Diaye, Norris Cole, Nate Wilson and Darius Johnson-Odom. The Skyforce will look to establish an aggressive defensive identity while incorporating the offensive principles of the Miami HEAT system.

“We’re going to try and be disruptive. We’re going to try to muck up the game,” Casamajor said during Wednesday's media day. “We’re going to get you hopefully in an uncomfortable setting.”

Sioux Falls' opening-day roster features 13 players, including Miami HEAT two-way players Tre Donaldson, Keshad Johnson and Vladislav Goldin. The group combines NBA experience with returning Skyforce contributors and players beginning new chapters in their professional careers.

Among those returning is guard Bez Mbeng, who earned an NBA opportunity with the Utah Jazz during the 2025–26 campaign, signing a 10-day contract on March 13. Mbeng averaged 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals across 41 appearances with Sioux Falls before his call-up. His familiarity with the organization and ability to impact multiple areas of the game provide continuity in the Skyforce backcourt.

It’s been great to have Coach Casamajor pour into us and just give us that sort of inspiration and confidence,” Mbeng said during Wednesday’s media day. “It’s been amazing so far and I’m excited to get going.”

Dennis Smith Jr. adds another experienced presence to the backcourt, bringing extensive NBA experience and the ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His playmaking and ability to facilitate the offense provide Sioux Falls with a veteran option as the team works to establish its offensive rhythm.

The Skyforce also welcome Lester Quinones, who earned All-NBA G League First Team honors with the Osceola Magic during the 2025–26 season. Quinones averaged 23.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists across 36 regular-season games, shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range. His perimeter shooting and scoring production give Sioux Falls an additional offensive threat.

Returning forward Gabriel Madsen provides another familiar presence after averaging 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 36 regular-season games last season. Madsen shot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and recorded a career-high 27 points against the Texas Legends on February 1, 2026. His shooting and versatility offer the Skyforce another option on both ends of the floor.

“Just good personalities. It honestly just feels kind of almost like a high school or college team where the guys actually like being around each other and just have fun,” Madsen said during media day.

Additional roster members include NBA veteran Kylor Kelley, along with AJ Staton-McCray, Nathan Missia-Dio, Tyon Grant-Foster, J’Vonne Hadley and Ian Schieffelin. The group provides Sioux Falls with depth across multiple positions as the organization continues developing talent within Miami's system.

The Skyforce open the season with a 14-game Tip-Off Tournament schedule, beginning with back-to-back contests against Grand Rapids on November 7 and 8. Following the Tip-Off Tournament, team records reset ahead of the 36-game regular season, which begins during the NBA G League Winter Showcase in December. The top eight teams in each conference will advance to the NBA G League Playoffs.

Sioux Falls will make its home debut on Friday, November 20, against the Windy City Bulls at the Sanford Pentagon, with a second matchup scheduled for Saturday, November 21.