Julia Poe
@byjuliapoe
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Bulls and Sky beat writer for the Chicago Tribune • USC alum • PBWA member • 🏳️🌈 • Kansan 🌻
Joined May 2013
In 2017, Coby White lost his father. In 2020, he lost himself. This season, Coby found his way back — on the court and, more importantly, off it. On redefining success and choosing joy and growing into a man his dad would be proud to meet:
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At tonight’s Bulls game, Lonzo Ball is hosting the family of the donor for his knee transplant surgery. Alex Reinhardt died at age 20 in Feb. 2023. Ball sought out his family this year after making an unprecedented comeback to the NBA. Ball: “It changed my life.”
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Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.”
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Angel Reese made the day of 6-year-old fan Lillian Freiburg by signing her jersey (and getting Ty Young to sign her rookie card). Freiburg and her mom, Michele, have been Sky season ticket holders for several years. Her favorite thing about Reese: “She’s really, really strong.”
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USWNT star Trinity Rodman is this week’s guest on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast. This interview segment touches on her relationship with her father, Bulls legend Dennis Rodman. “I lost hope in ever getting him back. … He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.”
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Cavaliers hold a moment of silence for the victims of today’s shooting in Kansas City, then sing the national anthem
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Angel Reese plans to gift her Sky teammates and coaches Beats headphones — and keep hooking them up with her endorsement deals throughout the year. “Wherever they want to go, we going.”
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Got Zach LaVine’s side of the story from that high school game against Cooper Kupp. He says Kupp picked him up full court all game: “They whooped our ass. … At the time, I had no idea who he was, little white dude guarding me.”
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A bit more of Lonzo Ball’s corner shooting motion after Bulls practice this morning
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Angel Reese echoes Caitlin Clark on the ROY debate: “We don’t either care about the Rookie of the Year. … I think you guys have made it a big thing.”
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Caitlin Clark spent more time with Kamilla Cardoso over the past few months due to their Netflix documentary. “It puts basketball into perspective. … This is what’s giving her family a better opportunity and I think that’s the coolest thing in the world. I’m a big fan of hers.”
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Angel Reese adds that she was locked in with Chicago Sky, regardless of the facilities: “I don’t care if we practice down the street. I wanna be where I’m loved and where I’m appreciated. … As long as I have two goals … and a ball to put in the hoop.”
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I cannot overstate the depth of my disappointment in this piece. The editorial board operates completely separately from the sports section. There is no oversight from myself or our staff. This is not a reflection of how we will cover the Sky.
From the Editorial Board: . The foul committed by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Caitlin Clark was egregious. Outside of a sporting contest, it would have been seen as an assault.
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Caitlin Clark had high praise for Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso ahead of today’s game. “(Angel) has been so dominant at what she does ever since we played in high school.”. “Kamilla is just scratching the surface of her potential.”
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Angel Reese provides more details about her SEI via TikTok. Hairline fracture incurred Friday. Technically could have played on, but elected for surgery to avoid arthritis, damage, etc. Timeline: surgery on Tuesday, hard cast for 4 weeks, soft for 2 weeks, then into rehab.
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DeMar on the crowd booing Jerry Krause: “It just sucks their family had to endure something like that. You can never take away what he created. Without Jerry, there wouldn’t be the historic Chicago Bulls history. You gotta give him credit for as long as basketball is around.”
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Kamilla Cardoso looks *so* much more comfortable matching up with A'ja Wilson than she did in their first meeting of the season. Unfortunately, A'ja has ascended into the avatar state so there's only so much to be done on her defensively.
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I think about this post once a week and it never fails to make me smile. Rest in power.
I hope everyone had a safe holiday. I spent some of the break playing with my cats.
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Chennedy Carter on the Sky’s focus for the final playoff push: “I wanna make a run. I’m here to do that. Let’s fucking do it.”
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Kamilla Cardoso confirms she will play in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association this off-season. Liked the fit due to the league's emphasis on post players. Main focuses for this off-season include: defensive switches, timing on blocks, mid-range and rim finishing.
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Angel Reese on joining Unrivaled, the 3v3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier: “Nobody wants to go overseas.”
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Angel Reese on the bond that she and Kamilla Cardoso have built with Teresa Weatherspoon: “We’re her babies. … She knows the sky is the limit for both of us.”
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Teresa Weatherspoon on Chennedy Carter: “I coach her hard because I want nothing but greatness from her. … I’m just gonna tell you guys this again — you can write it, print it, do whatever you want to — that’s our All-Star right there.”
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The WNBA has rescinded the second technical assessed to Angel Reese in last night’s game against the Liberty, per a league source.
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Kamilla Cardoso did not feel that she touched Aliyah Boston on that last foul: “My hands were up.”. Chennedy Carter with some additional support: “We should give her grace. It was her first game back and she played pretty well. … Give her some time.”
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This crowd of kids in the baseline courtside seats are absolutely geeked over Angel. Literally screamed out loud every time she looked over at them.
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Kahleah Copper flew straight to Chicago from Paris after winning gold. Hit up Portillo’s, got out on the water and enjoyed her first time back in the city since the trade. “Chicago in the summer — you can’t beat it.”
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Candace Parker announcing her third child by saying she and her wife are “switching from man-to-man to zone defense” is absolutely iconic
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Chennedy Carter is a restricted free agent after this season. Her outlook on free agency: “My main goal is always just to be somewhere I’m wanted. I love being here. I enjoyed the season. It was fun. It was special. If Chicago wants me back, I’m interested in coming back.”.
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Lisa Leslie working with Angel Reese on a lot of the finishing technique (especially that overhand form!) that I talked about in this piece ⬇️
Angel Reese is thriving in Unrivaled. Has the league prepared her to take the next step with the Chicago Sky?. My report from Miami on how Reese is minimizing underhand layups, building comfort at the elbow and finding familiarity with new teammates:.
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Angel Reese said she didn't even see the NaLyssa Smith "too small" and had to be told about it by teammates: "I didn't even know she did that. That's crazy.". Added that she and NaLyssa have been playing against each for years and had fun with it tonight: "No hard feelings.".
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Chatted with Kamilla Cardoso for a bit this afternoon (more from that in a bit). With Friday’s preseason game in Baton Rouge coming up, I asked her to share her favorite memory from playing LSU. Kamilla: “Well, we won every time we played them, right? So…”.
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Angel Reese shares what this moment with Sheryl Swoopes meant to her: “She told me that she believed in me.”
Sheryl Swoopes embraces Angel Reese after her career-high performance and epic win against the Fever 🙌. #WelcometotheW
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“First home, first job, first place that welcomed me… Still cold as hell.” — DeMar
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The two-time champ isn’t waiting around on an announcement — Courtney Vandersloot is back in Chicago.
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Diamond DeShields advocates for long-time season ticket holders to receive discounts so they can continue to attend Sky games even as prices skyrocket. "Those are our most loyal fans.".
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Marta dedicates her second goal for Brazil today to her fiancee and Orlando Pride teammate Toni Pressley. (📸: Reuters/Molly Darlington)
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Kamilla Cardoso says the rematch against Caitlin Clark was not on her mind in aiming for a June 1 return: “I was trying to come back early. They didn’t let me.”
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Angel Reese drilling corner threes after today’s training camp session
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Chicago Sky players speak out about harassment at their team hotel in D.C.
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Megan Rapinoe with a clear message to anyone wearing USWNT gear to riots such as the one at the Capitol last week: "Don't bring that bullshit here.".
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Kamilla Cardoso mixing and mingling with Chicago Sky fans ahead of tonight’s game
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Angel Reese after breaking the WNBA rookie record for consecutive double-doubles: “Man, I’m just happy we finally won.”.
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Chennedy Carter on her growth in Chicago: "I love being here. I'm so grateful to be a part of something like this. I was literally crying in the car yesterday, like, 'God, I appreciate you so much for putting me where I belong.'".
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Angel Reese on the connection between herself and Chennedy Carter: “We understand each other.”
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Chennedy Carter just sprinted across the entire building to ask the DJ to put in a song request for pregame warmups (‘3 Headed Goat’ into ‘Not Like Us’)
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Angel Reese says her attempt to entice Gabby Williams to rejoin the Chicago Sky was “just a joke” but she’s been a longtime fan since her days at UConn. “Any WNBA team that gets her is lucky for sure.”
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Angel Reese emphasized throughout her introductory press conference that she doesn’t take her place in the WNBA for granted: “Everybody doesn’t get this opportunity. … I don’t want my spot taken.”
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Angel Reese on the impact Kamilla Cardoso will make in her debut: “You can’t see 6-7.”. Praised Kamilla for keeping positive through her injury and on the court. “She’s a beast but she always smiles.”
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Column: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert failed players by conflating rivalry and racism. I'm tired of anyone acting like this is normal. The racial abuse that Black WNBA players suffer is uniquely violent. Ignoring this problem will not make it go away.
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Billy Donovan says when he walked into the Bulls locker room tonight, players were already in heated conversations. He asked if they wanted him to leave to handle conflict. Players said yes, so he did. Donovan emphasized that embracing conflict is key for this year’s roster.
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Matas Buzelis can (finally!) talk about the dunk contest. He said it’s an honor to be invited. Had been working with Zach LaVine on dunks for awhile before the trade on Sunday. His plan is to surprise fans: “Two of these dunks, I don’t think anyone has seen.”
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Angel Reese spoke pregame about how excited she was to face off against Alyssa Thomas and Bri Jones, who she admired since they were at Maryland: “Those are players I’ve had my eye on.”
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Angel Reese said she told coach Teresa Weatherspoon at the end of the season: "You were too nice this year.". Reiterated that she feels "lucky" to play under Weatherspoon and feels confident in her vision for the team heading into next season.
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All-Star Barbie gets the front page treatment
“I just let my game speak for itself.”. Angel Reese embraces every aspect of herself — the rebounder, the role model, the rookie still figuring it all out. A little peek behind the curtain on the work that went into an All-Star debut season:
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HVL just blocked Hidalgo and took a second to stand over her with the ball on her hip. Just nasty stuff, this game rocks.
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Angel Reese with a searing indictment of the Sky’s decision to fire Teresa Weatherspoon: “I’m heartbroken. … I came to Chicago because of YOU.”.
I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me. Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a black women in sports when nobody believes in.
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Big news off the field for the Orlando Pride — stars Marta and Toni Pressley announced their engagement this morning.
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Zach LaVine immediately ran onto the court after the final buzzer to grab the game ball for Lonzo Ball.
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Just confirmed with the club — 100% of the Orlando Pride roster is vaccinated.
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Alex Caruso on his return to Chicago: “I gave it my all. … Being back here in other colors feels a little weird still.”
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Angel Reese said after practice today that making Team USA for the 2028 Olympics is a milestone she hopes to accomplish. Teresa Weatherspoon embraced this: "If that is her goal, we're going to push her toward it.".
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The Chicago City Council approved the 1901 Project, a $7-billion, 55-acre development that will reimagine the blocks surrounding the United Center. Plans include new housing and hotel structures in addition to a music hall and public parks. Estimated completion date in 2040.
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“war zone”
Fox Sports broadcaster Jason 'Little Buddy' McIntyre calls the great city of Chicago "a war zone" and "Afghanistan.". @jasonrmcintyre
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yeah I would say Angel Reese’s game is translating to the WNBA just fine.
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A’ja Wilson is one of the best basketball players on the planet and that doesn’t mean a damn thing if her teammates can’t shoot above 25% from the field.
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maybe, just maybe, we should stop hosting soccer games on fields used for american football.
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Dana Evans and Isabelle Harrison both got emotional in postgame talking about online harassment — including from Sky fans. Evans: “It was disgusting.”. Harrison: “I’ve never experienced this level of hate and harassment. It’s hard. This shit hasn’t ever been like that.”.
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NaLyssa Smith just gave Angel Reese the "too small" gesture. Reese responded by scoring a basket and drawing a fourth foul on Smith on the other end. This shit is so fun.
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Crowd reaction from Sky fans at Wintrust as Chennedy Carter checks into the game for the first time
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A'ja Wilson on Angel Reese: "The biggest thing that I see from Angel is just her speed and her want to get the basketball. I feel like you don’t see that from a lot of players all the time — that second and third effort to go get the basketball. And she has that in her.”.
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DeMar DeRozan’s goodbye to Chicago on Instagram: “The love, passion & joy you filled me with for 3 seasons was a dream. … I know the nightmares started already knowing you will face me in another jersey, but it'll only be twice!
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DeMar DeRozan on Kyle Lowry’s trade from Miami to Charlotte: “It sucked.”. Said that Kyle called him in the morning before news broke. Flipped over to friend mode at that point to offer support.
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Derrick Rose said there were never serious conversations to retire a Bull. The timing of his decision was heavily influenced by his son PJ: “When I did make the decision to stop playing, I didn’t care where I was. His time, I couldn’t trade that in.”
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Angel Reese on how her Met Gala appearance reflects the WNBA’s intersection with fashion: “A lot of us got drip.”. Noted that Lisa Leslie was an original inspiration for herself as a fashion-focused player who could also dominate on the court.
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laughed out loud at this, you’ve gotta at least put a line break between the war in Ukraine and the Western Conference standings
Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen intends to fulfill his mandatory service in the Finnish military this offseason, he told @ramonashelburne. More info 🔗:
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Sydney Leroux on the Orlando Pride's first match under Becky Burleigh: "It's a breath of fresh air. I can't tell you guys that enough. It's the feeling of someone wanting to be here for us. Everyone feels that.".
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Proposing to your WNBA champion girlfriend in a tropical paradise seems like a really valid reason to opt out of a snowy USWNT camp tbh.
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Reese makes her free throw, yells "the f*ck you talking about" at Smith as she runs back on defense, beautiful stuff all around.
NaLyssa Smith just gave Angel Reese the "too small" gesture. Reese responded by scoring a basket and drawing a fourth foul on Smith on the other end. This shit is so fun.
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Chennedy Carter is back in practice with the Chicago Sky this morning.
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Teresa Weatherspoon on defending Rickea Jackson: “She’s outstanding. … She’s really found herself in this league. … It’s about all five people guarding her.”
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Kamilla Cardoso just blocked Dijonai Carrington so hard that she started laughing before she landed.
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Angel Reese on her hectic weekend: “I don’t know how I’m doing this. I’m running on vibes.”. Landed at 2 a.m. this morning from the Met Gala in NYC to be at shootaround at 10 a.m. Felt like she could coast on four hours of sleep — but can’t wait for an off day tomorrow.
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Happy Friday, here’s a video of Ali Krieger teaching Cassius Dwyer how to use exercise bands to brighten your morning
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Today’s sports cover in the Chicago Tribune after Kamilla Cardoso’s debut for the Chicago Sky
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Chennedy Carter on the possibility of playing in Unrivaled: "I don't think that they have any interest in me. So my interest just has to be somewhere else at that point. But am I really good at 3-on-3? Yes. And will you see me playing somewhere in the future? For sure.".
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Tyler Marsh says the Sky will not make cuts before heading to Baton Rouge. Whole training camp roster will travel for Friday’s game.
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Kamilla Cardoso’s flight to Brazil was cancelled, so she wasn’t able to go home over the Olympic break. That meant extra time in Chicago focusing on two areas of her game: finishing at the rim and playing aggressive through contact.
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Angel Reese outlined her checklist of priorities for off-season training:.- nutrition/fitness/strength.- footwork in the post.- finishing through contact within the restricted area.- shooting efficiency from outside restricted area.
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Megan Rapinoe rocking a baby and blowing a kiss to the camera to celebrate that goal, a move I'm sure was meant for Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris and their newborn daughter Sloane.
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