Colleen Kane

Colleen Kane is the college sports reporter for the Chicago Tribune. She has worked at the Tribune since 2007, starting in high school sports before moving to the White Sox and then the Bears. Before the Tribune, Kane was a sports reporter at the Cincinnati Enquirer following her graduation from the University of Illinois.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood and his son Tyler react to a play against Purdue on Jan. 5, 2020. (Holly Hart/AP)

Brad Underwood has had son Tyler by his side during Illinois’ revival — now as coordinator of elite offense

March 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

For Illinois assistant coach Tyler Underwood, this week in the Sweet 16 is about helping his father, Brad, march toward the goal he has had since 2017: to win a...

Illinois' Keaton Wagler lines up a shot during practice at Toyota Center on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in Houston. The Illini play Houston in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty)

NCAA Tournament notes: Keaton Wagler vs. Kingston Flemings on tap — and Big Ten gauntlet breeds success

March 25, 2026 at 7:12 p.m.

The Illinois-Houston matchup in the Sweet 16 will be a showcase for two of the country's top freshman guards in Illinois' Keaton Wagler and Houston's Kingston Flemings.

Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic, right, goes up to block a shot from VCU guard Jadrian Tracey during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (Chris Carlson/AP)

Illinois big men rediscover their nastiness in advancing to the Sweet 16: ‘That’s a recipe to win for us’

March 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Whether it was their size advantage against the lower-seeded teams or Brad Underwood’s challenge in the days after, Illinois — particularly its big men — showed the nastiness is still...

Illinois guard Andrej Stojaković (2) celebrates after dunking against VCU during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (Brynn Anderson/AP)

NCAA Tournament: Illinois puts on a show in 76-55 win over VCU to advance to Sweet 16

March 22, 2026 at 12:09 a.m.

Andrej Stojaković scored 21 points, helping No. 3 seed Illinois beat No. 11 seed VCU on Saturday night in the NCAA Tournament. The Illini advance to play Houston in the...

Illinois guard Andrej Stojaković shoots over Penn forward Michael Zanoni during the second half of a first-round NCAA Tournament game Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (Chris Carlson/AP)

For Illinois’ Andrej Stojaković, a season of change — and winning — results in his 1st NCAA Tournament

March 21, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Illinois has asked Andrej Stojaković to be more than just a scorer in his first season on an NCAA Tournament team.

Illinois' David Mirković tries to get by Penn's Michael Zanoni during the first half Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

David Mirković has record night for Illinois. ‘He just wants to rip your head off,’ coach Brad Underwood says.

March 20, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.

David Mirković set an Illinois freshman NCAA Tournament record with 29 points and an overall Illinois tournament record with 17 rebounds in Thursday's first-round win.

People stand at a table inside the FanDuel Sportsbook bar at the United Center during the Big Ten Tournament on March 12, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

How the NCAA tries to ensure game integrity amid a sports betting boom and the latest point-shaving scandal

March 20, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Two months before Selection Sunday, a widespread college basketball game-fixing scandal was revealed. How can the NCAA stop it from happening again?

Illinois forward David Mirković shoots during the first half against Penn on March 19, 2026, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

NCAA Tournament: Illinois bounces back from Big Ten Tournament disappointment by dominating Penn 105-70

March 20, 2026 at 12:16 a.m.

Illinois turned a 10-point halftime lead into a 105-70 rout, wearing Penn down with its powerful, deep offense to advance to Saturday’s second round against No. 11 seed VCU.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer looks on from the sideline during the first half against Siena in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, S.C. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty)

NCAA Tournament: Jon Scheyer says he was outcoached as Duke narrowly averts No. 16 seed Siena’s upset bid

March 19, 2026 at 6:33 p.m.

Duke's Jon Scheyer said coach Gerry McNamara had his No. 16 seed Siena players “way more ready to play” in the first-round NCAA Tournament game Thursday.

Illinois guard Kylan Boswell aims for the basket as Wisconsin guard John Blackwell defends during the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center on March 13, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

For Illinois guard Kylan Boswell, an NCAA Tournament veteran, the time for leadership is now

March 19, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

On an Illinois team headlined by freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirković, Kylan Boswell is the voice of experience in this NCAA Tournament.

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