South Dakotans might be split on this year’s WNBA Finals as the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury are set to tip off in a seven-game series that begins Friday night. The Aces are coached by Becky Hammon, while the Mercury are coached by Nate Tibbetts. It’s west river versus east river, but on a national stage.
Becky Hammon grew up in Rapid City, was a standout player for Stevens high school, and then went on to have a collegiate career at Colorado State followed by a professional career in the WNBA. Hammon got her start in coaching as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA but transitioned to her first head coaching job in the WNBA in 2022. She’s aiming for her third WNBA title in her four seasons at the helm.
“We have a special group here. I’m not surprised that we’re here, because I know who they are, I know how they’re built,” said Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon. “They get upset about the right things, and there’s something to be said about that. Being upset is ok, but be upset about the right things, because too often, players get upset about the wrong things. I’m very honored to be their coach.”
At the head of the other bench, it’ll be Nate Tibbetts, who is making his WNBA finals debut. Tibbetts grew up in Jefferson, South Dakota, but moved to Sioux Falls to attend Roosevelt high school his junior year. He went on to play college ball at the University of South Dakota and got his coaching start with the Skyforce in Sioux Falls. Before transitioning to the WNBA, Tibbetts worked as an assistant for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers, and Orlando Magic.
Fred Tibbetts, Nate’s father, was one of the most successful girls high school basketball coaches in South Dakota history. His win streak of 111 consecutive victories at Roosevelt still holds to this day. When the Phoenix Mercury won to advance to the WNBA finals, Nate Tibbetts looked to his family and thought about his dad.
“I was looking at my family. We took a chance coming to this league, coming to this family. I had been living the NBA dream, and it was awesome. I had kind of gotten overlooked at some NBA jobs over the years,” explained Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts. “My dad was a long-time girls and women’s coach. He had a ton of success and took a lot of pride in starting basketball in South Dakota in the mid 70’s. People came out to watch his games at a real high level compared to the high school boys’ teams. He passed away in ’08, but looking around like he would be so proud. I’m just super thankful for this opportunity.”
Hammon is looking for her third WNBA Finals championship, while Tibbetts is looking for his first. No matter what happens, it’s another representation on the national stage of the roots that exist with basketball in South Dakota.
Game one between Las Vegas and Phoenix is set to tip off on Friday, October 3rd, at 6 pm CT on ESPN.
