Sioux Falls, September 23 – The Miami HEAT announced today that Phil Weber has been named head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He becomes the 17th head coach in franchise history after serving as a consultant for the HEAT since 2012. An introductory press conference with be held for Weber in the Sanford Pentagon on Wednesday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Prior to joining the HEAT as a consultant, Weber worked as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks (2008-12) and Phoenix Suns (1999-2008). Weber also has experience in the college ranks where he was an assistant coach at Iona College (1991-95), Chaminade University (1990-91) and the University of Florida (1984-89). A North Carolina State University graduate in 1984, Weber played basketball under the tutelage of legendary coach Jim Valvano for the Wolfpack.
Joining Weber’s staff on the Skyforce will be Chris Quinn (Assistant Coach/Player Development) and Corey Belser (Assistant Coach). Quinn, a six-year NBA veteran, was originally signed by the HEAT as a free agent on July 6, 2006 and appeared in 168 games (26 starts) for Miami over three and a half seasons, playing for both Pat Riley and current HEAT Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. He then went on to play three more NBA seasons, splitting time with the New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers and mostly recently served as Director of Player Development at Northwestern University.
Belser, the 2006 WCC Defensive Player of the Year, served as video intern for the HEAT last season. Prior to joining Miami, he held the same position with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012-13. A 2006 graduate of the University of San Diego, Belser played for both the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers NBA Summer League teams and spent time playing professionally overseas in Greece, Ukraine, Finland and France.
The HEAT have also announced that Octavio De La Grana, an assistant coach with the Skyforce last season, has been named Player Development Coach/Director of Minor League Operations.