McHone Returns for Third Stint as Skyforce Head Coach
January 20, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Jan. 20, 2011) - The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that Morris "Mo" McHone has been named head coach of the NBA Development League franchise for the remainder of the 2010-11 season. McHone, who led the Skyforce to a CBA Championship in 1996, compiled a regular season record of 172-102 (.628) in five seasons and remains the franchise's all-time winningest coach. He replaces interim head coach Duane Ticknor who will return to his previous role as assistant coach.
"We're thrilled to bring back arguably the greatest coach in Skyforce history," said Skyforce owner/president Mike Heineman. "Mo brings a wealth of experience and he is just the coach we need to get our team headed in the right direction."
McHone is no stranger to the NBA D-League as he held the position of director of basketball development for the Austin Toros for two seasons (2007-09) following one season as head coach of the Skyforce. Austin reached the postseason in each of his two seasons in the front office and advanced to the 2008 NBA D-League Finals. Sioux Falls posted a record of 30-20 (.600) in 2006-07 and advanced to the league semifinals before losing to eventual champion Dakota.
McHone's first stint with the Skyforce (1995-99) was highlighted by three appearances in the CBA Finals and a CBA Championship. He also coached one of the best teams in franchise history as the 1996-97 squad finished the regular season with a record of 47-9, the fourth-best mark in league history.
Before joining Sioux Falls, McHone was the head coach for the Birmingham Bandits (1991-92), Fort Wayne Fury (1992-93) and Yakima Sun Kings (1993-95). He has an all-time regular season record of 229-168 (.577) in eight CBA seasons and a postseason record of 40-29 (.580). He won back-to-back CBA Championships ('95, '96) and was a two-time winner ('95, '97) of the CBA's Coach of the Year award.
McHone was Stan Albeck's assistant coach in San Antonio from 1980-83 and served as head coach of the Spurs for 31 games during the 1983-84 season. He was also an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers (1979-80, 1985-86), Detroit Pistons (1999-01) and Los Angeles Clippers (2001-03).
The Skyforce's next game is on Friday, Jan. 21 at home against the New Mexico Thunderbirds. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Arena. Season tickets and 12-ticket flex packs for the 2010-11 season are on sale. Discounts and benefits are also available for groups of 10 or more. For more information please contact a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.
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