Typically, references come in handy when a person is applying for a new job.
In the case of the Sky’s new coach Tyler Marsh, the testimonials that have followed his hiring are speaking volumes. One specifically that came from Aces guard Jackie Young paints a picture of what’s possible for Marsh in Chicago.
“Truly changed my career,” Young wrote on X Saturday evening. “Forever thankful for you.”
Marsh promptly echoed Young’s statement back to her saying she had the same impact on his career, which is true. Young’s development is in part responsible for Marsh’s opportunity with the Sky, who were one of several teams that showed interest in him to be their next head coach.
“His commitment to developing each player’s unique strengths, along with his basketball acumen and calm, composed leadership style, make him an outstanding fit for our team,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in part in the team’s official press release announcing his hire.
The opportunity for Marsh in Chicago is developing two of the league’s brightest stars in Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. Both showed exceptional promise in their rookie campaigns. While Reese was breaking league rebounding records set by greats like Candace Parker and Tina Charls, Cardoso was showing glimpses of her potential to be the league’s most dominant big.
Marsh’s ability to maximize star players potential was best exemplified by his work with Young and three-time MVP A’ja Wilson.
Young, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick, went from averaging 12.2 points per game while shooting 25% from three in 2021 to averaging 16 points per game shooting 43.1% from three in 2022, her first season with Marsh. She earned her first All-Star nod, was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and helped lead the Aces to a WNBA title.
In 2023, her game improved further as the Aces won back-to-back titles while Young was named to the All-WNBA second team.
Reese has been adamant about her desire to develop into a more traditional point-forward in the WNBA. She joked during her exit interview this season that her final shot of her rookie campaign being a three-pointer was a sign of whats to come. Marsh has already taken notice of Reese’s game, commenting publicly via X on the difference in her footwork when she plays with patience.
Cardoso, meanwhile, needs more touches. She’s proven her dominance playing with her back to the basket, but in Year 2 expect her shot profile to expand with Marsh’s influence.
Beyond the impact Marsh will have on the Sky’s young stars, his hire was also about fitting the culture of the franchise.
“Future of the Sky is in good hands,” Marsh posted on X in June. “Young, tough [and] don’t give AF about anybody’s opinions other than their own. Gotta respect it.”
There were many who pushed back on the Sky’s approach in 2024 which reflected a team that was hard nosed and unconcerned with public perception and criticism. They drew comparisons to the Bad Boy Pistons of the late 80s and early 90s. However, many failed to acknowledge the culture that existed within the Sky long before last year’s team.
Former coach/general manager James Wade was largely responsible for the development of that us against the world mentality, which he exuded in press conferences often. When Teresa Weatherspoon was hired she expressed her desire to mirror the city’s toughness on the court.
Marsh will be the Sky’s fourth coach in two years following the midseason resignation of Wade in 2023. While he’s sure to insert his own spin, it seems he’s already on board with the culture that’s existed in Chicago for years and contributed to the Sky’s title run three years ago.