Sioux Falls, SD, September 21 – The Miami HEAT announced today that Nevada Smith has been named head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, becoming the 19th head coach in franchise history. An introductory press conference for Smith will be held on Friday, September 23 at 2:00 pm at the Sanford Pentagon.
“We are excited to welcome Nevada back to the Development League in his role as head coach of the Skyforce,” said Skyforce General Manager Adam Simon. “His passion for coaching and his history of developing players make him a great addition to our organization. We look forward to Nevada applying the HEAT culture to our developmental program in Sioux Falls.”
Smith formerly served as the head coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he led the team to an overall record of 57-43 in two seasons spanning from 2013-15. Before coaching the Vipers, Smith spent two seasons as the head coach of the Keystone College Giants in Le Plume, Pennsylvania. There, he led the Giants to a 39-16 record in two seasons as while reaching the first two CSAC Championship games in school history.
Prior to joining Keystone College, Smith had previously compiled nine years of collegiate coaching experience at Ithaca College, Allegheny College, Canton, and St. Lawrence University dating back to the 2002-03 season.
Before graduating in 2002, Smith was a four-year starter at Bethany College and ranks near the top of numerous school record lists. Smith holds the school record for most made three-point field goals (313), second-best three-point percentage (.466), and best free throw percentage (.870). He also ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list with 1,255 career points, and ranks eighth in number of games played (105). In his final season, Smith propelled the Bison to a 21-win season and the school’s first NCAA playoff appearance in nearly 20 years.