When the Chicago Sky closed their season at Wintrust Arena, frustration poured from the stands louder than the cheers. Fans held up signs that read “Free #5”, a nod to Angel Reese, and “We’re tired of mediocrity #selltheteam.”
By the third quarter, chants demanding general manager Jeff Pagliocca‘s dismissal echoed through the building.
In the middle of it all stood rookie head coach Tyler Marsh. Taking the microphone in the season’s final home game, Marsh addressed fans directly.
“I represent this city the best way possible and more than anything, this group of players deserves that respect,” he said. “Look, we wanna represent this franchise in the best way we can. We’re gonna work on ourselves in the offseason, trying to turn things around the next season so we appreciate that support. Thank you, legendary.”
Navigating Reese’s public challenge
Marsh’s remarks came just days after Reese criticized both her coach and the roster in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. The 22-year-old forward declared, “I’m not settling for the same [explicit] we did this year… We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
The comments, which sparked a half-game suspension, added fuel to an already volatile season. Marsh, however, chose not to inflame the situation, telling reporters that he and Reese had spoken privately. Throughout the controversy, he stressed his role as a stabilizer, saying his first priority was offering constant support.
“I don’t ever want to just assume that I’m doing and saying the things necessary to provide them the support that they’ve needed in moments like this,” Marsh explained.
A difficult rookie campaign
Chicago ended with a 10-34 record, the second-worst mark in franchise history, and missed the postseason for the second straight year.
Injuries were a recurring theme, as Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham, and Chloe Bibby all suffered season-ending setbacks, leaving Marsh to shuffle rotations on a nightly basis.
Despite the obstacles, the Sky managed flashes of competitiveness, pulling off surprise victories against elite teams like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces.
Commentators noted Marsh’s resilience, pointing out his experience as Becky Hammon‘s lead offensive assistant in Las Vegas as a foundation for his steady approach.
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