The NBA G League season and NBA Draft Combine came and went, but the experiences were new for Matt Houston, Head Strength and Conditioning coach for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. 

Sioux Falls Skyforce

Houston took over the job last fall after a successful stint in China, working with the Chinese National team in 2017 and winning back-to-back CBA Championships with the Guangdong Southern Tigers (2019-2020, 2020-2021).

For the first time in his coaching career, Houston coordinated all the Skyforce’s pre and post-game meals. In addition, he developed nutritional plans for the players. 

The NBA G League rosters are constantly changing due to call-ups, two-way contracts, and roster moves. Houston was quick to adjust to the roster movements. “You have your base plan, but with the G League, you have to be adaptable. Communicating with guys coming in and out of the roster is key. You see where they are and get them acclimated to our system,” Houston said. 

The head strength and conditioning coach described the atmosphere as one with high energy and enthusiasm. Houston worked with former NBA veterans like Mario Chalmers and Brandon Knight and a talented Skyforce roster that saw players get NBA call-ups and two-way contracts. 

NBA G League Elite Combine/NBA Combine

After growing and learning as a first-year coach in the NBA G League, Houston worked at the NBA G League Elite Combine and the NBA Combine. 

He conducted warmups for the prospects at the NBA combine, and while working for the G league Elite Camp he timed the three-quarter sprint and measured wingspans. After the first day, Houston sat in on meetings with other G League and NBA strength coaches, learning and sharing knowledge. 

“I had the opportunity to network with other coaches and attend meetings; you got to see all that goes on behind the scenes. It was an awesome experience,” Houston said. The California native soaked in everything he learned as he continues to build his resume coaching in the G League.

Future Plans

Houston will be attending the NBA Summer League working with the Miami Heat. Miami will be playing in both the California Classic in San Francisco and the NBA 2K23 Summer League in Las Vegas. The team begins on July 2.

Throughout the summer, Houston has been working with Sanford Power, developing young athletes and working as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Parker High School until the Skyforce starts their season. 

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