Sky name Jeff Pagliocca team’s general manager

The Chicago Sky has appointed Jeff Pagliocca as their general manager, according to an announcement by the organization on Tuesday.

This news comes after the recent hiring of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon earlier this month. Weatherspoon and Pagliocca are taking over the roles previously held by James Wade, who was both the head coach and GM of the team from 2019 until July 1. Wade left to pursue an assistant coaching position with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

Pagliocca, who becomes the first standalone GM in Sky history, has been involved in player development and coaching assistance for the past four seasons. In his most recent role, he served as the director of skill development in 2023. Additionally, he owns a company in the Chicago area that provides training to top high school, college, WNBA, and NBA players.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Pagliocca as the new General Manager of the Chicago Sky. He will be responsible for identifying and assembling a roster that will set the standard for sustained success,” said Sky president and CEO Adam Fox in a statement. “Jeff’s expertise in player development, data-driven talent evaluation, basketball IQ, and his outstanding relationships with players make him the perfect choice to work alongside Coach Weatherspoon as we strive for another championship in Chicago.”

Pagliocca also expressed his gratitude for being named the new General Manager, stating, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as the General Manager of the Chicago Sky. I am proud to be working with Coach Weatherspoon and the Sky front office to create a championship-caliber team. With my extensive experience in strategy, player development, and my tenure with this team, I am excited to build upon our tradition of excellence, hard work, and winning as we embark on this exciting new chapter of Sky basketball. Expect us to bring unparalleled toughness, grit, and an unwavering competitive spirit to Chicago.”

The Sky currently have Kahleah Copper, Marina Mabrey, Elizabeth Williams, Isabelle Harrison, and Dana Evans under contract for the next season. However, the team does not possess a first-round pick for the 2024 season. In a trade orchestrated by Wade in February, the Sky granted pick-swap rights to the Dallas Wings for their 2025 first-rounder, which facilitated the acquisition of Mabrey by Chicago.