WNBA Preview: Chicago Sky

By: Zach Draves

The WNBA season is just around the corner and my hometown Chicago Sky has a lot going for them.

Coming off a 12-10 season last year in the wubble, the Sky is a team that is building in talent and looking to create a unique dynamic on the court.

In addition to a strong veteran presence, the Sky selected two additions during the recent draft that have some unique backgrounds. 

Shyla Heal of Australia and Natasha Mack of Oklahoma State University are coming into an environment surrounded by some of the league’s most prominent veterans such as Candace Parker, Stephanie Dolbson, Allie Quigley, and Courtney Vandersloot. 

(Courtesy: Chicago Sun Times)

(Courtesy: WGN-TV)

Shyla is a standout in Australia who began her career at only 15 years of age and was able to produce a few years of pro ball under her belt. 

She also hails from a basketball family and this moment is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. 

Natasha’s remarkable journey doesn’t begin with her being a standout at Oklahoma State University resulting in her winning the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year as well as the WBCA NCAA Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year. 

It starts in her native Texas where she first went to the University of Houston but didn’t see it as a good fit. 

She ended up working in a poultry factory until she found her place in the heartland which propelled her into the stratosphere of basketball excellence. 

They are joining a team that is dynamic and destined for great things and not just on the court but off the court as well. 

Various players on the Sky including their Coach and GM James Wade have been consistent in their pursuit for social justice, a mechanism of the larger commitment put forth by the WNBA. 

(Courtesy: CBS Chicago)

As for the adjustment period, Coach Wade foresees a healthy and lively transition for both Shyla and Natasha. 

In the case of Shyla coming from down under to the Windy City, this period is very crucial. 

“We just have to get her ready and we feel she will be up for the challenge” said Coach Wade. 

“Once we bring everybody in we try to create a competitive environment.”

Natasha Mack herself is relishing in every moment of stepping onto the court and being in such tremendous company.

“It feels great to have legends such as Stephanie, Candace, and Diamond by my side and it has been amazing” she said.

When I asked what she thinks her biggest contribution to the team will be this year she simply said:

“My length, my speed, and my ability to block shots.”

Coach Wade concurred.

“She has been active in getting block shots.”

As for one of the OGs herself, Candace Parker is returning to her roots.

(Courtesy: ClutchPoints)

A native of Naperville, Illinois, and growing up a huge Bulls fan during their dynasty run in the 1990’s coming home to play for her city is a full-circle moment.

“It has been amazing and I don’t think it has hit me yet” she said.

She also spoke of how much her family has been involved in helping her to balance out her career on the court as well as off the court as a commentator for the NBA on TNT.

As for this new generation of talent coming up, Candace’s advice to them is predicated on staying in the moment and prioritizing one’s well-being.

“It goes fast. Take care of your body and put everything you got into it” she said.

As training camp is underway expect this season, the 25th for the WNBA, to be one filled with a mixture of longevity and dynamism with the veterans and newbies working as one to produce some of the best talents ever seen. 

In addition to a continued expansion of the game and the players doing right when it counts the most and Chicago is no different. 

In the Windy City, the SKY’s the Limit. 

The full schedule is here https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2021/04/2021-Sky-Schedule-print.pdf.