Varun Shankar

Washington, D.C.

Education: University of Maryland

Varun Shankar is The Post's Washington Wizards beat reporter. He was previously an intern, news aide and high school sports reporter for the Sports desk. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Shankar worked for the independent school newspaper, The Diamondback, as a sports reporter and editor. He previously interned at The Boston Globe and The Charlotte Observer.
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Latest from Varun Shankar

Preseason is for experimenting, and Wizards’ Brian Keefe is here for it

With Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Jonas Valanciunas out, the Wizards’ coach tried new combinations in a 131-92 loss to the Nets.

October 14, 2024
The Wizards' Jordan Poole drives against the Nets in the first half Monday in New York.

Wizards get a preseason win, and Kyshawn George shows out

The Wizards get a spark from the rookie from MIami and earn their first preseason win, 113-95.

October 11, 2024
Kyle Kuzma, who had 22 points, shoots against Raptors forward Chris Boucher during Friday's Wizards win at Capital One Arena.

Wizards steady themselves defensively in a preseason loss to the Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns’s new squad played its starters deep into the third quarter as the Wizards fell, 117-94, at Madison Square Garden.

October 9, 2024
The Knicks' Mikal Bridges sizes up the Wizards' Kyle Kuzma on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Malcolm Brogdon’s Wizards career begins with thumb surgery

Washington did not provide a timetable on when guard Malcolm Brogdon might return.

October 8, 2024

After a shaky first season in D.C., Jordan Poole still has Wizards’ trust

To get the best out of Jordan Poole this season, the Washington Wizards are putting the ball in his hands and having him play point guard.

October 7, 2024

Wizards rookie Kyshawn George begins pro career in a familiar spot

The Wizards started the preseason with a 125-98 loss to the Raptors in Montreal, where the forward enjoyed a family reunion.

October 6, 2024

The Wizards, unwilling to skip steps, are content to lay the foundation

Washington carries modest but realistic expectations into the 2024-25 season. “It’s process over outcomes,” Coach Brian Keefe said.

September 30, 2024

The ‘conductor in an orchestra’ searching for answers about sports training

Dawn Scott oversees health and performance for the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. She’s pushing for a different approach to training women who play sports.

August 21, 2024
Dawn Scott arrived with the Washington Spirit in 2022, having previously worked with the women’s national teams of the United States and England. (Courtesy of Washington Spirit)

Mike Sainristil plays ‘star,’ and the Commanders think he can become one

Rookie Mike Sainristil has a dizzying job description as a modern-day nickelback, a position that has had evolving responsibilities in recent years.

August 14, 2024
The Commanders drafted Mike Sainristil with the 50th pick in April and have been impressed by him throughout training camp.

Ten-man D.C. United runs out of Leagues Cup answers, falls to Mazatlán

D.C. United is knocked out of the Leagues Cup in the round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Mexican side Mazatlán.

August 9, 2024
D.C. United's David Schnegg goes up for a header against Mazatlán's Jair Diaz (4) and Willian Vargas during Friday night's match at Audi Field.