Q & A with Head Coach Kasib Powell

You have been a part of this organization as either a coach or player for almost a decade. What does the Skyforce mean to you?
This place meant a lot to me as a player. It’s where I got my opportunity to reach the NBA and to be able to come back and be a coach as been surreal for me. My kids have grown up going to Skyforce games. Sioux Falls and the Skyforce will always be special to me.

Who is your all-time Skyforce starting 5?
David Bailey, Duncan Robinson, Kasib Powell, Amir Johnson and Jarnell Stokes.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a player with the Skyforce?
Scoring 46 points (which was at that point a franchise record) in Fort Wayne and hitting 10-11 3PAs. That combined with holding up the MVP trophy in Sioux Falls in front of the Skyforce fans.

Do you have a favorite jersey from your time as a player or coach?
"I’d have to say the teal ones that we wore when I played. They were so unique and made us who we are. I love how coordinated we are with Miami now, but the teal, white and black is nostalgic for me.

If you had to pick… the Sioux Falls Arena or Sanford Pentagon?
Sioux Falls Arena - it had more of a rowdy feel and felt like the fans were almost on top of you. The Pentagon brings such a unique and great element, though, and we have one of the best G League facilities in the league.  

Who is your favorite teammate from your playing days?
David Bailey - he was my point guard when I won MVP. A lot of my success came from him leading or passing the ball. We went through the dog days of the G League together. Dave is still someone l call a friend to this day.

What are the biggest changes to the NBA G League and the Skyforce organization since your playing days?
The travel in the G League has gotten so much better. There is so much more access for players, whether that’s money or being able to play on national TV across the world. The reason the Skyforce has been able to be at the top for all these years is because we’ve been able to stay on top of those changes.  

After an extremely successful 2022-23 campaign, how excited are you to start your third season as head coach of the Skyforce?
I am very excited to be able to lead this organization again. Like I said above, there is so much pride in being the head coach here. We had some great momentum last season, but hopefully we can be just a bit better in every way. I’d like us to get more Call-Ups even though we have led the league in the past two seasons. A Western Conference Finals appearance is a great start, but we are eager to take that next step.