Skyforce Stars Set to Shine Bright at NBA All-Star Indy
February 2, 2024 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Alondes "ManMan" Williams and HEAT two-way player Cole Swider were selected to participate in the NBA G League Up Next Game presented by AT&T during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on Sunday, February 18th at 12:30 PM CST. The two become the first all-star selections for the Force since Okaro White, Briante Weber and Keith Benson in 2016-17.
Both Swider and Williams are in the second year of their young careers and have made large year two jumps.
Williams has increased his scoring average in the regular season from 13.5 points per game last year to 22.5 this year, and his assists have increased from 2.9 to 6.1.
In the regular season, Swider's points per game are up from 17.1 last year to 25.1, rebounds up from 4.8 to 6.7, assists up from 1.8 to 3.6, and steals are up from 0.8 to 1.1, all while shooting 50.8% from three.
"I think I've improved on a lot of things defensively, movement shooting," said Swider of his performance so far this year. "I think I'm starting to show what I can do and translate my stuff to the NBA."
Swider gives credit to the HEAT's system on his elevated play and increased confidence.
"It's been amazing," said Swider of his time so far with the HEAT, "when you see guys like you be successful in the NBA it gives you a different set of confidence, so Duncan, obviously Max's (Strus) success in the past, even guys like Gabe Vincent and Orlando who've gotten contracts that started out as two-way players."
ManMan has been selected as a Panini Rising Star and will participate in the Rising Star mini tournament on Friday, February 16th at 8 PM CST as well as participating in the G League Up Next Game.
"It's an amazing feeling," said ManMan "you know just always growing up wanting to be a part of the all-star environment and then being around a lot of high-level talent and getting to showcase my talents too."
Some of the talent ManMan may be up against includes the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and the HEAT's own Jamie Jaquez Jr.
The Panini Rising Stars will be drafted onto three seven-player teams, coached by Pau Gasol, Tamika Catchings and Jalen Rose. The fourth team will be comprised of the seven G League Rising Stars and coached by three-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf.
The four teams will play two semifinal games followed by a Championship game.
As for the G League Up Next Game, Cole and Alondes are looking forward to getting out there to compete.
"I'm always competing all the time, but I love to have fun playing this game" Alondes said.
"I've been blessed to be a part of a couple of all-star games. I was in the Jordan Brand game coming out of high school," said Cole "I think anytime you get to step onto the court you go out trying to prove yourself and show you're the best among the best. I definitely go out there and play hard and try to show out."
The G League Up Next Game will feature a draft where four creator GM's draft their teams of seven players and face off in two semifinal games. The winner of each semifinal will face off in a Championship game.
We asked both Swider and ManMan to draft their personal starting five from the full Up Next Game player pool to see who they may look forward to teaming up with in Indianapolis.
Swider selected former three-year teammate at Villanova Colin Gilespie, current teammate ManMan, Luka Garza, and Darius Bazley to start alongside himself.
ManMan then formed his team, "I'm at the 1, I'm gonna go my boy JD Davison, give me Luka, Cole, and Emoni."
Catch ManMan in action during the Panini Rising Stars game on Friday, February 16th at 8 PM CST and BOTH Cole Swider and Alondes "ManMan" Williams in the NBA G League Up Next Game presented by AT&T during NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis on Sunday, February 18th at 12:30 PM CST.
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