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 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.

A general view of the exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium before the Final Four on April 2, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Luke Hales/Getty)

Final Four notes: Illinois acclimating to massive venue, COVID-19 tournament memories and a Fab Five reunion

April 2, 2026 at 7:39 p.m.

It’s not every day the Illinois basketball players tip off in a football stadium. Here's what they thought of their practice Thursday in the venue.

Illinois centers Tomislav Ivišić (13) and Zvonimir Ivišić switch off in the second half against Wisconsin during the Big Ten Tournament on March 13, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

For twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivišić, helping Illinois to Final Four in reunion year an ‘incredible’ journey

April 2, 2026 at 6:02 p.m.

When one Ivišić brother makes a big play on the court, it’s usually worth a look to the Illinois bench to see the reaction of the other.

UConn's Jaylin Stewart (3) and Illinois' Keaton Wagler reach for a rebound during the SentinelOne Showdown at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 28, 2025, in New York. (Ishika Samant/Getty)

Illinois was no match for UConn in November. Can a ‘different’ Illini team fare better in Final Four rematch?

April 2, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

When Illinois coach Brad Underwood looks back on his team’s game against Connecticut on Black Friday, he almost doesn’t recognize the Illini.

Illinois' Keaton Wagler celebrates after Illinois beat Iowa in an Elite Eight game in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Illinois freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirković garner national attention on road to Final Four

April 1, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Keaton Wagler and David Mirković have been the revelations that have cemented this team as one of the best in Illinois history ahead of the Final Four.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood, center, celebrates with players after an Elite Eight game against Iowa in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Illinois AD Josh Whitman’s patience with Brad Underwood pays off in 1st Final Four since 2005

March 30, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Illinois' journey back to the Final Four required patience from coach Brad Underwood and athletic director Josh Whitman.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net following a 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament on March 28, 2026, in Houston. (Alex Slitz/Getty)

Illinois earns trip to Final Four for 1st time in 21 years: ‘We knew we had something special’

March 29, 2026 at 1:27 a.m.

Illinois beat Iowa 71-59 in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, earning a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 2005.

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