Skyforce in Four Different Cities over Five Days This Week

It’s all business from here on out for the Sioux Falls Skyforce as the All-Star Game has passed and the jockeying for playoff spots will commence in the NBA Development League. 

The upcoming four-game stretch this week is a daunting one for Sioux Falls as each one will be played in a different city.  The trip starts in Tulsa on Tuesday then to Austin on Wednesday.  Sioux Falls will host Austin on Friday with the final meeting of the year between the Mad Ants and the Skyforce in Fort Wayne Saturday.

The Skyforce currently have the fourth-best record in the league and are in heavy competition for the post season.  Staying above the line will take more sustained effort from a few and continued improvement from some others.

Losing Quincy Douby after just two games was a jarring loss early in the season.  However, the maneuvering of Tre Kelley into that slot and the emergence of Larry Drew II’s scoring capabilities gives the Skyforce a strong backcourt.

The two Skyforce All-Stars were certainly deserving of the honor and equally as deserving of an NBA Call-up.  DeAndre Liggins has been as advertised as the 7th pick in the NBADL draft and capable of filling the stat sheet in four different categories and playing four different positions.  Justin Hamilton has improved greatly since the start of the season filling the starting center role and has been on the Prospect Watch for a lion’s share of the season.

Rookies A.J. Davis and Ryan Evans have had shining moments and some rough spots typical of a first professional season.  Henry Walker has had a mostly steady veteran presence with Anthony Mason, Jr. and Chris Ayer nursing injuries and spending some time out of action.  Recent acquisitions guard Tajuan Porter and forward Alex Oriakhi will have to adjust quickly to define their roles after joining the team in early February.

Twenty one games remain for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.  It’s time to lay the cards on the table and see who has the best hand.