Player Recap: Mychal Mulder

Nobody has shot the deep ball like Mychal Mulder in franchise history.

When you think of the names and sharpshooters to don a Skyforce jersey in the last 34 years, that's a truly remarkable feat.

Mulder has seen it all throughout his Sioux Falls tenure: NBA Call-Ups, shattering franchise records, NBA G League season crowns and a deep playoff run.

“Sioux Falls as a community has been super supportive, not just for me but for everyone who has come through here,” Mulder said. “There is a true love for basketball here and we are fortunate to be in that situation. I’ve made a lot of connections through my time here. I’ve met a lot of the fans and had conversations and sit downs with them. I’m so thankful for that. We get a good crowd every game and that’s something that doesn’t happen everywhere. I think it’s extremely important to try and take advantage of that and show my appreciation back to them.”

The Force went as Mulder did in the Showcase Cup, as any time he had four-plus 3PM, the team posted an 8-3 record. He had a three-game stretch on Nov. 19, 23 and 26 where he had stat lines of 29 points on 8-18 3PA, 21 points on 5-8 3PA and 26 points on 6-11 3PA - all of which led to Sioux Falls victories.

He posted a Showcase Cup high 30 points on 10-18 FGA (6-12 3PA) in the Winter Showcase finale against the Delaware Blue Coats on Dec. 21.

Mulder finished the Showcase Cup portion of the season with 15.9 points on 40.3 percent shooting (38.4 percent from deep), 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per 36.1 minutes a game. His 66 3PM in the Showcase Cup was also good for fourth in the entire NBA G League.

“He's our shooter,” Head Coach Kasib Powell said. “He’s one of the best shooters in Skyforce history, one of the best shooters in G League history. When he’s making shots, it helps our offense out and stretches the defense, as well.” 

His play upped in the regular season and it helped play a part in the first playoff appearance since 2015-16.

In eight of the first 11 regular season games, Mulder secured 20-plus points and four-plus 3PM. It was highlighted in a two-game sweep at the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Jan. 6 and 7, as he combined for 53 points on 15-22 FGA (12-19 3PA). This is also the same place he broke the franchise record for points scored in a game a season ago.

After that, he would go on another four-game tear of 25-plus points and five-plus 3PM from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15. On Jan. 19 in a 23-point performance , right after halftime, he broke the franchise record for 3PM made in a career.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate being in a really good position here,” Mulder said. “I have great teammates, great coaches who put me in a position to do that. It’s an honor to be on that list.”

For Powell, who is in the Skyforce Hall of Fame for his time as a player, it was unique to see a player break records from a coaching standpoint.

“It means a lot to get those accolades,” Powell said. “I’ve been able to have accomplishments here (as a player) and now I get to share it with one of my players. To see him reach milestones like that is incredible and fun to watch. I’m just happy to be a part of it.” 

Mulder's play would be consistent through February, as Sioux Falls was looking to make a postseason run.

On Mar. 6, with at least a victory needed in a back-to-back with South Bay needed to keep postseason hopes in their own hands, Mulder delivered. He had 36 points on 11-17 3PA (10-15 3PA) and hit an and-one 3PM to take the first lead of the game with under two minutes remaining, which helped swing the pendulum and give the Force a much needed victory.

In just a week, he upped his 36 points with a season-high 40 points on 12-21 FGA (9-16 3PA) in a sweep of G League Ignite.

Mulder finished the regular season averaging 17.3 points on 43.6 percent shooting (40.4 percent from deep), 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per 36.3 minutes a game. His 129 3PM was also a G League high for the regular season, and he was the only player with 120-plus 3PM to shoot above 40 percent from beyond the arc.

His deep threat ability helped the Skyforce in the playoffs, which was highlighted by a 19-point performance (4-9 3PA), four-assist game in the opening round against Salt Lake City.

“He does things his own way and that makes him special,” Powell said. “Off the court, he is a great guy and a leader for us. He tries to share his love and be positive around the community. He is extremely special and genuine.

Coaching Mike is special,” Powell said. “He has helped me grow through everything. To be able to coach the best shooter in our history is special to me. It couldn’t have happened to a better person or a better guy. I look at this as a special moment for a special player and guy.”