Thunder names Nate Tibbetts as new head coach of Tulsa 66ers
The Oklahoma City Thunder named Nate Tibbetts Head Coach of the their NBA Development League affiliate, the Tulsa 66ers, it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.
“We are pleased to add Nate to the Thunder organization,” said Presti. “We feel that in adding Nate, we are bringing someone on board that possesses a commitment to the development of our players in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.”
Tibbetts joins the 66ers after spending the past four seasons with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. After two seasons as an assistant with the Skyforce, Tibbetts was promoted to Head Coach prior the 2007-08 season. In two seasons at the helm of the Skyforce, Tibbetts guided Sioux Falls to a 53-47 (.530) mark including a playoff berth during the 2007-08 season.
Before joining the Skyforce in 2005, Tibbetts was an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Sioux Falls for four years (2001-05). In his four seasons at USF, the Cougars posted a record of 92-44 (.676), including two trips to the NAIA Division II National Tournament. The 2003-04 team posted a school record 26 wins before falling to Bellevue University (Neb.) 72-60 in the Final Four of the NAIA Division II Tournament.
Tibbetts enjoyed a successful collegiate career at the University of South Dakota. He ranks second all-time in the USD record books in career assists (678) and steals (215). He was named to the All-North Central Conference (NCC) team in 2000-01 and Honorable Mention All-NCC in 1999-00.
Also, we have a winner in the 7-word essay contest. Congrats to Randy Roper of Edmond for proclaiming he will wear his Thunderwear in Times Square.