And The Sioux Falls Skyforce Select...

November 6, 2009


November 5th was the NBA D-League draft, hosted on NBA TV at their Atlanta, GA, headquarters. The Miami Heat's D-League Affiliate, The Sioux Falls Skyforce, earned the 14th pick in the 1st round, followed by 20th, 45th, 52nd, 77th, 84th, 109th and 116th overall in the 128-player draft. Here's who they chose:

• 14th pick: Raymond Sykes (Clemson) Position: PF, Height: 6-9, Weight: 225
• 20th pick: Pete Campbell (Butler) Position: F, Height: 6-7, Weight: 220
• 45th pick: Reggie Williams (VMI) Position: SF, Height: 6-6, Weight: 210
• 52nd pick: Leemire Goldwire (Charlotte) Position: SF, Height: 6-6, Weight: 210
• 77th pick: Draezon Burns
• 84th pick: Nate Miles (Southern Idaho JC) Position: G/F, Height: 6-7, Weight: 200
• 109th pick: Rodney Alexander (Oklahoma City) Position: SF, Height: 6-7, Weight: 225
• 116th pick: Lawrence McKenzie (Minnesota) Position: G, Height: 6-2, Weight: 190

From the outcome of the draft it could be said that the Skyforce were mainly targeting the number three position (i.e. Small Forward) in hopes of finding a future swingman that can contribute with athleticism.

The Skyforce's first round pick, Raymond Sykes, played two seasons at Clemson at the center spot and average 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and .576 field goal percentage (FGP) in that span. His last year at Clemson proved to be his best as he averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1 block and a .578 FGP. In Sioux Falls, Sykes will play the role of PF and compete for a spot against returning Skyforce PFs, Kevin Brumbaugh and Greg Stiesma.

With that said, here are the returning and allocated players for the Skyforce this season:

Name	Position	Height	Weight	College
David Bailey	G	5-8	165	Loyola (IL)
Keith Brumbaugh	F	6-10	215	Hillsboroough CC
Justin Johnson	G	6-6	190	Iowa
Michael Joiner	F	6-7	230	Florida State
Greg Stiesma	F	6-11	260	Wisconsin
Joe Krabbenhoft (Allocation)	F	6-7	219	Wisconsin
Bruce Price (Allocation)	G	6-1	190	Tennessee Tech
Mike Nelson (Tryout)	G	6-4	195	North Dakota State

Courtesy of NBA.com/dleague

Follow the Skyforce all season long as we cover the latest news and updates surrounding the Miami Heat's official D-League affiliate. You never know when one of these stars will get a shot to play in the NBA, maybe even in the American Airlines Arena next to Dwyane Wade and company.