On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 08/06-08/20

Last week, I attended media sessions featuring players Gabby Williams, Azura Stevens, Stella Johnson, Cheyenne Parker and Diamond DeShields. It was a bit of a mixed bag of fun, frustration and regular talk.

This was my second time with Stevens and Parker. You can check previous posts to get more info on their careers.

Stevens talked about recovering from her injury and how she is handling the quick pace of the schedule. Then she told a funny story about a tennis competition with her Sky teammates. Parker continued the fun by sharing a funny story about a surprise birthday for Johnson.

Johnson starred at Rider, before being selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 3rd round (59th overall) of the 2020 WNBA draft. She did not make the team, but signed with the Sky prior to this season.

Johnson talked about the challenges in transitioning from college to the pro league. She talked about learning from the team veterans and looking forward to getting playing time.

DeShields played her college ball at North Carolina and Tennessee before being selected by the Sky in the 1st round (3rd overall) in the 2018 WNBA draft. In two seasons with the Sky, she has played in 68 games, averaging 15.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

A second generation pro athlete, DeShields is the daughter of former Major League Baseball star Delino and the brother of current star Delino Jr. Diamond joins a handful of WNBA players with relatives in other pro sports.

DeShields talked about coming from a sports family. Then she got a bit reflective discussing missing her sister as she prepares to enter college.

Williams starred at UConn, leading the team to a stunning record of 148-3 record. She was selected by the Sky in the 1st round (4th overall) in the 2018 WNBA draft. In her two seasons with the Sky, she has played 67 games, averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Williams talked about missing Halle Berry, her cat, not the actress. It was very obvious how much she loves her cat and how much she misses her.

Coach James Ward was also part of one of the sessions, but he was not a happy camper. He was very frustrated with the Sky being on the receiving end of bad calls in Thursday night's game. He said he sent video to the league office and expressed his displeasure. Although a day later, he was still visibly angry and his answers were very short.

After Monday's 89-71 loss to the Seattle Storm, the Sky now stand at 5-3. Still in 1st place, the Sky next face the Phoenix Mercury, who are also 5-3, on Wednesday.
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