The 2019 season has been a resurgent one for the Chicago Sky as the James Wade-coached team will participate in this year’s playoffs.
A key ingredient in the Sky’s winning recipe this year has been Jantel Lavender as she has provided experience to Chicago after playing her entire career with the Los Angeles Sparks before heading to the Windy City.
Unfortunately for the Sky, it was announced that Lavender would be out for eight to nine weeks after injuring her left foot in an Aug. 9 contest against the Las Vegas Aces and that she would need surgery.
The injury has created an opportunity for Astou Ndour to obtain more playing time.
Lavender is not letting the injury stop her as she has been participating in broadcasting work for Sky games with Lisa Byington and Patricia Babcock-McGraw on Chicago’s WCIU.
Her first appearance on the microphone was when the Sky took on the Mystics at Wintrust Arena – an 85-78 Chicago win. She’ll also appear for the Sky’s final two home games of the regular season – Thursday against the Dallas Wings and Sunday vs. the Phoenix Mercury.
… if you can’t play it, you might as well talk about it.
–Jantel Lavender (per Chicago Sun-Times)
Lavender trying her broadcasting skills could be a sign that she intends to pursue further broadcasting opportunities. She said she studies how her former Sparks teammate, Candace Parker, who is now an analyst for CBS Sports, TNT and NBA TV.
She’s so wise, and extremely basketball savvy, but it’s just a matter of knowing the game. … Right now so I feel comfortable and confident.
–Jantel Lavender (per Chicago Sun-Times)
As for her current Sky coach James Wade, he said while he supports Lavender’s media pursuits, he joked that she doesn’t get the itch to go full-time Doris Burke just yet.
I hope she’s not that good because I want her to still be a player.
–James Wade (per Chicago Sun-Times)
When I talked to @jlav42 about broadcasting the Sky’s games, she said, “Maybe I’m a natural.” https://t.co/wS1pFPftqG
— Maggie Hendricks (@maggiehendricks) August 28, 2019
