Chicago Sports

Asa Thomas has been one of the most lethal perimeter shooters in the state since he started at Lake Forest three years ago.

Clemson needs perimeter shooting.

Thomas, one of the state’s top prospects in the Class of 2023, is headed to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

No recruitment is as simple as that, but the Lake Forest senior has committed to Clemson and coach Brad Brownell, who is in his 13th season with the Tigers.

Thomas, who has been a staple with the Illinois Wolves program on the Under Armour circuit throughout his high school career, saw Clemson’s need and found what he says is an “ideal fit” for what he was looking for in a college basketball program.

“I am super thrilled,” Thomas said. “What Clemson has to offer and the chance to play in the ACC, one of the best conferences in college basketball, is going to be an exciting experience for me and my family. I want to play big-time basketball and that’s the ACC.”

Thomas says the fit begins with the coaching staff, which includes assistant coach Billy Donlon. The former Glenbrook North star in the 1990s — and former head coach at both Wright State and UMKC — has obvious ties to the Chicago area.

“Coach Brownell and the staff are just awesome,” Thomas said. “The staff and school are a great fit for me. Plus, with coach Donlon having gone to GBN, there was an obvious connection there as well.”

Throughout the recruiting process, Thomas said he saw the importance of a program and coaching staff being all in. He felt that from Clemson.

“It comes down to who wants you and who prioritizes you,” said Thomas, who visited the campus in early June. “Clemson showed that to me from the start. My position is opening up there. They really pointed out how they need shooting and how I can step in and fill that role.”

Thomas, who averaged 17.4 points as a junior, is 6-6 and has a coveted shooting stroke on the perimeter.

“He brings a high-level IQ and he’s skilled,” Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala said. “He can pass, shoot and dribble. And he’s an unbelievable teammate.”

Thomas has a terrific release, the ball comes off his hand cleanly and he boasts a range that extends to 24 feet. Plus, he hits shots off movement regularly and quickly gets into his shot mechanics.

“I am looking forward to playing against and competing against the top players in the country,” Thomas said.

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Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s office sued the Chicago Cubs on Thursday over the team’s recent yearslong renovation of Wrigley Field, aiming to force the North Siders to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit alleges that, amid the renovation of the century-old ballpark, the Cubs failed to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines compared to standing patrons, or incorporate wheelchair seating in new premium club and group seating areas.

The feds say the Cubs designed and constructed general admission wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections — violating ADA standards — and failed to remove architectural barriers in unaltered portions of Wrigley where possible.

The lawsuit against Chicago Baseball Holdings LLC, Wrigley Field Holdings LLC, WF Master Tenant LLC and Chicago Cubs Baseball Club LLC seeks injunctive relief.

The feds’ investigation of Wrigley’s ADA compliance became public in December 2019, when lawyers for the team filed a letter as part of a lawsuit brought by a Cubs fan with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who used a wheelchair.

The letter contended the renovation of Wrigley actually “significantly increased the accessibility of the ballpark,” and it added that ADA compliance “is of critical importance to the Cubs.”

This is a developing story.

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Chicago Blackhawks 2022 Free Agency Signings

On the Cusp of the 2022 NHL Free Agency, day 1, the Chicago Blackhawks have made quite the splash in a modest but self-conscience manner that will give the team a well-rounded fix for more rebuild options come the future.

Along with Max Domi, who was signed by the Blackhawks, Andreas Athanasiou, a centerman who signed a $3 million USD contract. The 2012, 4th round, 19th pick, 110 overall by the Detroit Redwings is an incredibly fast skater when healthy according to reports.

Andreas Athanasiou has played 6 NHL seasons with 378 games, scoring 105 goals and 91 assists, coming out to 196 points. which is not bad for a youngster, who is considered a veteran at this point. The main reason for this acquisition in my opinion is for the purpose of speed as I stressed earlier, and he will definitely fit in with the team according to the coaching staff and the level of comfort to his game.

The Chicago Blackhawks brought in another couple of players to the lineup as well.

Also, the team had signed Centerman Colin Blackwell, in which a report states he will be used on the penalty kill and such. Blackwell brings size and grit to a young, defensive team that doing its diligence to build on size, while competing with skill and speed for today’s game.

And thus far, the Blackhawks have signed Back-up goaltender Alex Stalock to a one-year, $750,000 contract. Stalock has the potential to back-up goalie Peter Mrazek. This tandem will be interesting to watch because of the lack of depth involved, and as to how the scenario works to be honest. From what is observed here is that the team needed vast experience behind the net and leadership from well-aged veterans that would be able to assist the youngster’s in shaping up.

With this tandem thus far, the team still had a $20.3 million cap space structure to work with. But with the signings of these four players at just $7.75 million dollars, plus retaining retired defenseman Duncan Keith’s contract for $5.5 million, that put’s the team just at $13.45 million USD.

With only $6.85 million to work with to sign a quality player.

We will intently follow and keep you informed as to who will get picked up.

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Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s office sued the Chicago Cubs on Thursday over the team’s recent yearslong renovation of Wrigley Field, aiming to force the North Siders to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit alleges that, amid the renovation of the century-old ballpark, the Cubs failed to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines compared to standing patrons, or incorporate wheelchair seating in new premium club and group seating areas.

The feds say the Cubs designed and constructed general admission wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections — violating ADA standards — and failed to remove architectural barriers in unaltered portions of Wrigley where possible.

The lawsuit against Chicago Baseball Holdings LLC, Wrigley Field Holdings LLC, WF Master Tenant LLC and Chicago Cubs Baseball Club LLC seeks injunctive relief.

The feds’ investigation of Wrigley’s ADA compliance became public in December 2019, when lawyers for the team filed a letter as part of a lawsuit brought by a Cubs fan with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who used a wheelchair.

The letter contended the renovation of Wrigley actually “significantly increased the accessibility of the ballpark,” and it added that ADA compliance “is of critical importance to the Cubs.”

This is a developing story.

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Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson admitted Thursday he wished he’d been able to watch the prospects at development camp closer. But he has been a busy man.

Davidson met with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews earlier this week, updating them on the Hawks’ plans after shockingly trading away Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach and walking away from Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik, and had some “healthy, open communication.”

Davidson had previously told Kane and Toews there were “some difficult decisions to come this summer,” but hadn’t given specifics. This meeting assuredly took on a different tone, although Davidson was coy about the two longtime veterans’ reactions.

“I felt the meeting went well and [included] open dialogue both ways,” he said. “It was a healthy process. So they’re both here, and [I’m] chatting with them and keeping that communication open.”

Davidson later said it was “hard to handicap” whether Kane or Toews will eventually request trades.

“It’s all so fresh,” he said. “The draft just happened. A couple trades just happened. Free agency was yesterday. So it’s pretty early in that process. I don’t think I have a fully formed opinion on that one, one way or another, right now.”

Pat Brisson, who represents both Kane and Toews as well as Seth Jones — whom Davidson also met with this week –told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on Wednesday that the two stars aren’t “necessarily in agreement with the direction the team is taking” but are patiently taking their time making decisions. Toews was skating Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena with a smile on his face.

Davidson did essentially shoot down the concept of going to Kane or Toews for input on transactions to make, even though Kane had lightly suggested interest in having that kind of voice during late-season interviews.

“It’s a tougher conversation at our stage right now, because there’s a lot of future aspects to [rebuilding] that active players might not be fully informed on,” Davidson said. “They just don’t like things like draft class, draft pick valuation, prospect values.”

The Hawks’ Wednesday free-agency additions of Andreas Athanasiou, Max Domi and Colin Blackwell will at least provide Kane and Toews with semi-adequate linemates if they stick around for 2022-23.

Davidson said Domi would fill a top-six role and accurately called Athanasiou “one of the faster players in our league.” The Hawks are widely expected to try to flip both guys for draft picks at the draft deadline next spring, and Davidson alluded to their signings keeping “flexibility open for us.”

Alex Stalock, despite playing in just one NHL game since the start of the pandemic, will indeed enter the season as the Hawks’ backup goalie behind Petr Mrazek, Davidson said. Negotiations with Kevin Lankinen, who still hasn’t signed anywhere, “didn’t work out.”

Brett Connolly and Henrik Borgstrom were bought out because they weren’t going to be in the NHL next season, and Davidson wanted to “cut to the chase” and “allow them the opportunity to find other chances elsewhere” rather than deal with them being disgruntled in-season.

The Hawks did bring back former forward Dylan Sikura, now 27, with a one-year, two-way contract signed Thursday. He’s likely Rockford-bound after playing mostly in the AHL for the Avalanche last season.

Davidson remains “open to anything,” be it taking on another team’s bad contract for assets or adding a little more depth through free agency, but his activity is starting to die down. Ironing out new contracts for restricted free agents Philipp Kurashev and Caleb Jones is next up on the agenda.

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Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s office sued the Chicago Cubs on Thursday over the team’s recent yearslong renovation of Wrigley Field, aiming to force the North Siders to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit alleges that, amid the renovation of the century-old ballpark, the Cubs failed to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines compared to standing patrons, or incorporate wheelchair seating in new premium club and group seating areas.

The feds say the Cubs designed and constructed general admission wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections — violating ADA standards — and failed to remove architectural barriers in unaltered portions of Wrigley where possible.

The lawsuit against Chicago Baseball Holdings LLC, Wrigley Field Holdings LLC, WF Master Tenant LLC and Chicago Cubs Baseball Club LLC seeks injunctive relief.

The feds’ investigation of Wrigley’s ADA compliance became public in December 2019, when lawyers for the team filed a letter as part of a lawsuit brought by a Cubs fan with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who used a wheelchair.

The letter contended the renovation of Wrigley actually “significantly increased the accessibility of the ballpark,” and it added that ADA compliance “is of critical importance to the Cubs.”

This is a developing story.

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Potential players the White Sox might target during the MLB trade deadline

Assuming the White Sox can string together some wins before the trade deadline it is fair to guess that they will be buyers at the deadline. While this team has its flaws and can never seem to keep any momentum they gain in the playoff race, they currently only sit 6 games back of the Twins and only 3.5 out of a Wild Card spot. A few pieces added to the lineup and an arm or 2 to the bullpen it is hard to deny that this White Sox team does not have all of the talent in the world they just need to put it together. Now Let us take a look at who could the Sox can target to solidify the lineup and bullpen.

Ian Happ

The White Sox and their counterparts to the north the Cubs have a history as of late making trades. The Quintana deal and most recently the deal that landed the Sox Kimbrel last season. The White Sox could see if the Cubs are interested in parting ways with newly appointed all star Ian Happ. The Cubs may be looking to sell him off now that his price is likely at an all time high. The White Sox would have to pay a decent price for Happ but it may be worth it the 27 year old outfielder would be a perfect fit for the outfield looking to stop playing 1st basemen in the corners. Happ’s defense and bat would provide a huge boost to the team looking for both of those attributes.

Trey Mancini

Mancini who is apart of the currently surging Baltimore Orioles is in an interesting situation. He is due to be a free agent after the season and if Baltimore is not convinced they can keep him or that their recent win streak is just a flash in the pan and that the team still has a long way to go they may be looking to move him. Mancini like Happ an outfielder whose bat would fit perfectly into this lineup for the White Sox replacing inconsistent bats in the outfield such as Sheets and Engel.

Alex Colome

The White Sox could look for help from an old friend, Colome who most recently played with the White Sox in 2020 could be on the move from Colorado. On a struggling Rockies team they might be looking to move the veteran arm with no real use for him as part of the future. He would likely come cheap and can be a versatile arm that can assist the pen as a setup man or closer.

Amir Garrett

You may remember this name he is the pitcher who fought the entire Pirates team a few years ago. He is currently a part of a struggling Royals team and he himself has not been great this year but taking a flyer on a once good reliever has been done before and worked out. Garrett would likely come cheap due to age and performance but the hard throwing pitcher could find his groove again with a change of scenery. He much like Colome can slot into the bullpen in just about any position.

We will see how the season unfolds for the White Sox as they head into Minneapolis for a huge series with the Twins only a handful of games back of them . Another bat and another arm added to the bullpen could make a huge difference for the White Sox in this heated playoff race in both the wild card and American League Central.

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Chicago Bulls alternate headlines in 2022-23

What if the 2000 Western Conference Finals’ all-time call of “Kobe to Shaq” was actually “Smith to Wallace?” What if Ray Allen’s iconic three from the short corner in Game Six of the 2013 NBA Finals clanged off the front of the rim? What if “Tragic Johnson” never overcame his mental lapse in Game Two of the 1984 Finals, leaving Stephen Curry to later become the undisputed greatest point guard of all time?

An alternate universe is defined as “a hypothetical self-contained plane of existence, co-existing with one’s own”; so for every major event that occurs, there are alternate universes in which entirely different storylines unfold, thus creating worlds in which basketball lore is remembered in unfathomably distinct ways.

So, with all of the noise surrounding the Chicago Bulls upcoming season, these are the best alternate headlines that could take shape.

DeMar DeRozan becomes a three-point sniper

It’s not as if DeRozan cannot shoot— much the opposite is true. The Bulls’ leading scorer is universally regarded as a master of the mid-range, alongside the likes of Chris Paul and Kevin Durant, and has shot charts to back it up; however, he has yet to extend his soft touch beyond the three-point line, despite the pattern of play moving further away from the basket (picture from December 2021).

If there is one tangible that DeRozan has shown, it is improvement, as he outperformed his career three-point average of just 28.1% with a 35.2% standard last season, while also making 1.43 times as many triples as he did in his three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. If he can effectively add the long ball to his repertoire, the Bulls’ offense will become much more dynamic, fast-paced, and spacious, which will also lead to more opportunities for DeRozan’s teammates.

Ayo Dosunmu wins the Sixth Man of the Year award

A University of Illinois product, Dosunmu fell to the Bulls with the 38th overall pick in last year’s draft despite being one of the more noteworthy figures in college ball. He only averaged 11 minutes per game during the first month of the season but was eventually forced into the starting lineup for 40 games as the team dealt with various injuries and COVID-related absences, accelerating his adjustment to the professional game, and also his growth.

A long 6-foot-4 guard, Dosunmu has the type of slashing ability combined with a soft touch that makes him a nightmare to defend, especially when allowed to lead the second unit and go against backups. On top of that, he has proven to be a legit playmaker, most easily seen during a seven-game stretch in February when he averaged 9.5 assists per game (including a 14-assist night against the Indiana Pacers). The Bulls’ backup guard is tied for the 34th-best odds of winning 6MOY next year, so the bettors should place their deposits before it’s too late.

Kevin Durant lands in Chicago

The buzz around the league has been centered on Durant landing in Miami or Phoenix, among other less-likely locations, but no consideration seems to have been given to the Bulls making a late play for the two-time champ. Chicago has five of its first-round draft picks through 2029 and a 2023 first from the Portland Trail Blazers it could use as capital in a trade, as well as attractive young assets like Patrick Williams, Coby White, and the afore-mentioned Dosunmu. Brooklyn would likely also demand one of LaVine or DeRozan, but this is where it really gets crazy…

It would take a lot of t-crossing and i-dotting, but there is a world in which Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, and the Bulls’ young pieces end up in Brooklyn, while Nikola Vucevic and a throw-in from the Nets head to Indiana, and Durant lands in a brand-new red jersey. If that were the case, the Bulls would have a three-headed monster of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Kevin Durant, with valuable pieces like Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond, and Goran Dragic still in the rotation. They would need to be active in the buyout market, but their title odds would soar through the roof.

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A man told police he spotted someone driving his stolen car on DuSable Lake Shore Drive and began following it, dodging gunfire until he crashed into the car on a Stevenson Expressway exit ramp.

Three people inside the car ran away.The man suffered scrapes to his arms, according to Chicago police.

The man said he was driving in the 3100 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday “when he observed what appeared to be a white Honda HRV which was stolen from him,” police said in a statement.

The man followed the car and someone inside began shooting at him, police said.The Honda got on the Stevenson and was exiting at Damen Avenue when the man rear-ended the car, police said.

Three people in the Honda ran off and remained at large.The man was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center.

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A man who police say made threats targeting the North Coast Music Festival is facing charges Wednesday night.

Daniel Susma, 28, was arrested and now faces unrelated charges of multiple counts of aggravated battery and domestic battery, according to McHenry County Sheriff’s Office records. Algonquin Police confirmed Wednesday that Susma allegedly made the threats on social media.

A tweet circulated Tuesday — which included screenshots of what appeared to be a Facebook post and a photo — that threatened the festival, prompting the fest’s organizers to respond.

The festival’s Twitter account on Tuesday posted a statement in response to a warning of a shooting at the festival, saying organizers had contacted law enforcement and were “handling it with the utmost seriousness.”

“Regardless of this issue, NCMF will have extra security on hand to put the health and safety of everyone who attends the Festival as our top priority,” the statement said.

Susma will be barred from purchasing tickets or entering the festival, organizers said.

The electronic and hip-hop music event is set for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4 in Bridgeview.

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