Former Stampede Coach Joel Abelson Hired by Skyforce
Published on August 10, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Idaho Stampede News Release
BOISE, Idaho, August 10, 2012 - Former Idaho Stampede Associate Head Coach Joel Abelson was hired today by the Sioux Falls Skyforce as the team's 15th Head Coach in franchise history.
"I'm extremely honored and excited about the opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce," said Abelson. "I look forward to immersing myself in the Sioux Falls community and leading this proud franchise back to its tradition of winning. I truly appreciate everything [Managing Investor] Bill Ilett, the Stampede organization, and fans have done for me. I will miss the Treasure Valley but am extremely excited about this opportunity and new chapter in my life."
Abelson, 29, coached for four years with the Stampede, from 2008-2012, with the final two years as the team's Associate Head Coach. In his time as an assistant and Associate Head Coach, Abelson coached under Bryan Gates, Bob MacKinnon and Randy Livingston.
"Our organization would like to congratulate Joel on his new position with the Skyforce. It is certainly well-deserved and we hope the best for him in his head coaching career," said Stampede President and General Manager Steve Brandes. "Joel became entrenched in not only the Stampede franchise, but the Treasure Valley; and his dedication to player development, coaching and interaction with the community are going to be missed."
Abelson was integral in leading the Stampede to the playoffs during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Before joining the Stampede, he worked under Head Coach Joey Meyer with the Tulsa 66ers as an assistant coach.
The University of Michigan graduate worked for the Charlotte Bobcats basketball operations in 2007 and at Abunassar Impact Basketball in Las Vegas, training multiple NBA stars. He has also spent time working at the Bob Hill Basketball Camp in 2009 and 2010. This past summer, Abelson was an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors summer league team.
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NBA G League Stories from August 10, 2012
- Stampede Spirit Dance Team Tryout Dates Announced - Idaho Stampede
- Former Stampede Coach Joel Abelson Hired by Skyforce - Idaho Stampede
- Skyforce Names Joel Abelson Head Coach - Sioux Falls Skyforce
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