Nate Tibbetts is looking the part more than ever.
"I know, I've been through it. I think any time you do something the 2nd time around you're going to be a lot better," says Tibbetts.
Its taken some time, but the South Dakota native is finally getting used to being the man in charge for one of the most respected franchises in minor league basketball.
"I'm 31 years old. I'm 2-3 years older than Frank Williams. So I need to approach it a little bit differently than a 45-50 year old head coach would," explains Tibbetts. "But I feel like I've got a good relationship with these guys, that I can challenge them and talk to them. I'm going to continue to learn. I don't know it all, I know that. But I know that I feel a lot more comfortable and confident than I did a year ago."
Tibbetts, who never played professionally, admits his biggest first-year fear was getting challenged by a skeptical player. But it never happened. And that's something he credits to his greatest mentor.
"I think the biggest this is you've got to find your connection. I can't be somebody that I'm not," says Tibbetts. "Fortunately, I was around my dad my whole life, and he was great with his players. He knew how to respond to them, how to talk to them. And the thing I try to do is I don't try to lie to these guys, they're grown men. I'm honest. I just try to talk to them and say we're going to do it the right way, or you're going home."
And when you consider the cast that's returning for a second stint in Sioux Falls. It's clear that Tibbetts message is being heard loud and clear. Tibbetts and the Force will tip-off their 20th Anniversary season this Friday night, when they host Central Division rival Iowa at Sioux Falls Arena.
