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.

Magoon Gwath of San Diego State walks off the court after a loss to Utah State in the Mountain West Tournament final March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. Gwath is transferring to DePaul for the 2026-27 season. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Who’s gone? Who’s back? Who’s new? Resetting men’s basketball rosters for Illinois, DePaul and more.

May 5, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

With men's basketball rosters taking shape, here’s a look at the returns, departures and additions for Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul and more.

Michigan men's basketball coach Dusty May celebrates by cutting down the net after defeating Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament championship game April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP)

‘Big Ten Dominance’: A look at the NCAA championships the conference has won this school year

May 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

In the middle of a banner school year, here’s a look at the NCAA championships that Big Ten schools have won and how they fit within conference history.

Former Loyola star Alfredrick Hughes on March 1, 2018, in Homewood. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune).

Alfredrick Hughes, Loyola basketball’s all-time scoring leader, dies at 63

May 3, 2026 at 8:58 a.m.

Alfredrick Hughes, Loyola's all-time leading scorer who helped the Ramblers end a 16-year NCAA Tournament drought during his All-America senior season, died Friday. He was 63.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood directs players during practice before the Final Four game against UConn on April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

College basketball roster tracker: Illinois signs pair of high school recruits, including 5-star Quentin Coleman

April 20, 2026 at 11:14 a.m.

Tracking the major roster additions, subtractions and announcements of local college basketball teams.

Illinois volleyball coach Chris Tamas leaves the stage after answering media questions during Big Ten media days July 28, 2025, at the Big Ten Network studios in River North. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Big Ten will host its 1st women’s volleyball conference tournament in 2026 in Indiana

April 16, 2026 at 11:39 a.m.

The Big Ten looks to capitalize on and promote the growth of women's volleyball with its first conference tournament in 2026.

Loyola hires former Kansas assistant Morgan Paige to be its women’s basketball coach

April 12, 2026 at 4:47 p.m.

New Loyola women's basketball coach Morgan Paige was an assistant coach at Kansas for five seasons, and played for Wisconsin.

Illinois center Tomislav Ivišić guards teammate David Mirković during practice before the NCAA Tournament semifinal April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

No rest for the weary: Illinois’ roster retention and reload efforts start immediately after Final Four loss

April 6, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Illinois' roster retention questions focus first on the frontcourt trio of David Mirković and the Ivišić brothers.

David Mirković (0) and Keaton Wagler walk off the court after Illinois' 71-62 loss to UConn in a Final Four game on April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois rally — and season — falls short in 71-62 Final Four loss to UConn: ‘Definitely wasn’t our night’

April 4, 2026 at 11:40 p.m.

It had all the makings of a special weekend for Illinois at the Final Four — until UConn spoiled the party early, ending the Illini's season Saturday with a 71-62...

Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. interacts with fans during practice at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Michael Reaves/Getty)

Final Four notes: Chicago-area native Morez Johnson Jr. thriving with Michigan — and Illinois defense stepping up

April 3, 2026 at 6:35 p.m.

An all-Big Ten championship matchup Monday would be a dream come true for the conference. But first Michigan and Illinois have to win their national semifinals.

Illinois wing Andrej Stojaković (2) walks on the court during practice Friday, April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Illini face UConn in the Final Four on Saturday. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Andrej Stojaković has pressure with a famous NBA dad. Illinois’ Final Four run is part of finding his own way.

April 3, 2026 at 4:36 p.m.

Illinois wing Andrej Stojaković is trying to forge his own path beyond the legacy of his father, three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković.

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