Sioux Falls, S.D. (November 5, 2009) – The Sioux Falls Skyforce selected Raymond Sykes, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward from Clemson University, with the thirteenth overall selection in the 2009 NBA Development League Draft.

Sykes played in 124 games with the Tigers from 2005-09, with 41 starts. He was the starting center for Clemson’s 23-win, NCAA Tournament team in 2008-09. Sykes averaged 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a senior and made 58 percent of his field goal attempts. He finished his career ranked fifth in Clemson history in field goal percentage (.579) and ninth in blocked shots (102).

Following is the list of players selected by the Skyforce in the 2009 NBA D-League Draft:

Rd Pick Name Pos Ht Wt From
1 13 Raymond Sykes* F 6-9 225 Clemson
2 20 Pete Campbell F 6-7 220 Butler
3 45 Reggie Williams F 6-6 210 VMI
4 52 Leemire Goldwire G 5-11 190 Charlotte
5 77 Draelon Burns G 6-4 200 DePaul
6 84 Nate Miles* G/F 6-7 200 Southern Idaho JC
7 109 Rodney Alexander* F 6-7 225 Oklahoma City
8 116 Lawrence McKenzie G 6-2 190 Minnesota

* – Rookie

The eight players selected by the Skyforce will join training camp invitees David Bailey, Keith Brumbaugh, Justin Johnson, Michael Joiner, Joe Krabbenhoft, Mike Nelson, Bruce Price and Greg Stiemsma in Sioux Falls next weekend for the start of training camp on Sunday, Nov. 16. Coaches will submit an opening day roster of 10 players on Wednesday, Nov. 25 as the 2009-10 NBA D-League regular season tips off on Friday, Nov. 27 with six games.

Season tickets and 12-ticket flex packs are on sale for the 2009-10 season. Discounts and benefits are also available for groups of 10 or more. The home opener is set for Friday, Nov. 27 against the expansion Maine Red Claws. For more information please contact a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.