Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan is a former Chicago Tribune sports writer.

Former Loyola assistant men's basketball coach Drew Valentine, who will succeed Porter Moser, appears at his introductory press conference on April 6, 2021.

‘Let’s see if we can make this bigger’: Black college basketball coaches are encouraged by a significant uptick in hires — including 51% of offseason vacancies

June 1, 2021 at 2:10 p.m.

When DePaul coach Tony Stubblefield was growing up in Iowa, he attended a basketball camp hosted by George Raveling and instantly was wowed by the then-Hawkeyes coach. The experience was...

Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot waits during an official timeout in the fourth quarter against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on May 23, 2021.

Shorthanded Chicago Sky fall in overtime for their 4th straight loss: ‘It’s challenging and it’s getting the best of us’

May 31, 2021 at 12:25 p.m.

A limited roster has been frustrating for the Chicago Sky, who lost their fourth straight game Sunday by falling 82-79 in overtime to the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sky again...

Chicago Sky head coach James Wade reacts to an official's call in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on May 23, 2021.

WNBA opens an investigation into an official’s ‘boy’ comment to Chicago Sky coach James Wade, who said it was ‘disrespectful and has no place in our league’

May 27, 2021 at 10:18 p.m.

Chicago Sky coach James Wade said Thursday that the WNBA informed him it was investigating a complaint he filed about a "disrespectful" comment an official made about him to a...

Chicago Sky coach James Wade reacts to an official's call against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Chicago Sky file a complaint with the WNBA office after coach James Wade says an official referred to him with a racially derogatory term

May 26, 2021 at 11:14 p.m.

The Chicago Sky filed a complaint Tuesday night with the WNBA after coach James Wade said an official referred to him as "boy" during the team's 90-83 loss to the...

Illinois’ home Big Ten football game vs. Maryland is moved to a Friday

May 25, 2021 at 7:14 p.m.

Illinois will play on a Friday this football season. The Illini are set to host Maryland on Sept. 17 at Memorial Stadium, the Big Ten announced Tuesday. "We are very...

Signs lie on the ground for participants to hold during a rally and march to protest the hiring of Mike Polisky as Northwestern's athletic director on May 7.

Northwestern community keeps pressure on after athletic director Mike Polisky resigns over cheerleading scandal: ‘This is only just the beginning’

May 24, 2021 at 2:45 p.m.

Antoinette White, a cheerleader at Northwestern University, felt dejected as she and a teammate walked out of Mike Polisky's office after a tense meeting in early 2019. White and her...

Chicago Sky player Candace Parker cheers on teammates during a timeout in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on Sunday, May 23, 2021. Parker did not play because of a left ankle injury.

Candace Parker’s home debut is uncertain after she sits out the Chicago Sky’s 93-85 loss to the New York Liberty: ‘We’re going to have to learn to deal with adversity’

May 24, 2021 at 12:38 p.m.

The Sky's home opener Sunday afternoon was expected to be Candace Parker's Chicago debut. Instead, Parker remained on the Wintrust Arena bench in a protective boot for a left ankle...

Chicago Sky forward/center Candace Parker poses for a portrait at Wintrust Arena on May 21, 2021.

The Chicago Sky will make their home debut with Candace Parker on Sunday. Here’s what to know about their season mission to win the WNBA championship.

May 23, 2021 at 5:12 p.m.

The Chicago Sky limped into the offseason but have emerged as front-runners. Thanks to savvy offseason moves, improved health and consistent veterans, the Sky are predicted to be a potential...

Gonzaga assistant coach Donny Daniels, left, and director of basketball operations Stephen Gentry speak before an NCAA college basketball game against Texas-Arlington in Spokane, Wash., on Dec. 18, 2018.

Stephen Gentry accepts a job with Gonzaga, the 3rd top assistant to leave Brad Underwood’s staff at Illinois

May 21, 2021 at 11:24 p.m.

Illinois has lost three of its top men's basketball assistants since the season ended with Stephen Gentry announcing Friday he accepted a position at Gonzaga. He follows Orlando Antigua and...

Northwestern takes the field for the Big Ten championship game against Ohio State on Dec. 19, 2020, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Northwestern will play Nebraska in Dublin to kick off the 2022 football season — heading to Ireland for the 1st game outside the US in team history

May 20, 2021 at 6:48 p.m.

Northwestern will open the 2022 football season against Nebraska in Dublin, the teams announced Thursday. The game originally was scheduled to be played in Evanston but instead will be held...

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