• Slug: Sports–Suns Point Guards. 838 words.
• Photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – While the Phoenix Suns have three NBA superstars in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, they lack depth in one position critical to having success in the playoffs: point guard.

Many believed that was an area the Suns would address in this year’s NBA Draft. Instead, Phoenix decided to trade back from No. 22 and acquire an extra pick to address the team’s other priorities. Eventually the Suns selected Ryan Dunn out of Virginia at No. 28, and Phoenix native Oso Ighodaro out of Marquette at No. 56. Phoenix also added Collin Gillespie in June on a two-way contract.

Continue reading “Phoenix Suns bet on NBA Summer League to fill point guard void”

• Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Phoenix History. 765 words.
• One photo available.

By Mateo Arenas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When the WNBA All-Star Game first graced the Valley stage, the year was 2000, the band Santana had two of the biggest music hits in the nation and the WNBA’s average salary was $50,000. Fourteen years later, when Phoenix again hosted the All-Star game, Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” graced the top of the charts, and the players’ average salary had jumped to $75,000.

The mid-summer showcase of the league’s best players returns to what is now called the Footprint Center this weekend, beginning with Friday night’s skills challenge and 3-point contest, followed by Saturday’s All-Star game. Only Uncasville, Connecticut has hosted more All-Star games (4) than the Valley, while New York and Las Vegas have also hosted the weekend three times each.

Continue reading “Skills, thrills and history: WNBA All-Star Game returns to Phoenix after a decade”

• Slug: Sports–Ellis to Team USA. 823 words.
• 2 photos.

By Joseph Furtado
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After Arizona State won its first Western Women’s Collegiate Hockey League (WWCHL) conference championship, Sun Devils coach Lindsey Ellis jokingly threatened her players, saying, “If you dump water on me in this outfit, you’re all cut from the team.”

This lighthearted moment encapsulates the fun, exciting culture Ellis has created at ASU ever since she founded the women’s hockey team in 2016. She will be looking to do the same with her new team after being selected as head coach for the United States Women’s National University Team.

The decision came last week from the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which selected Ellis to lead the U.S. squad that will compete at the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy from January 11-23 at Torino Pala Tazzoli. The Torino Winter Games will be the largest international multi-sport event for athletes, featuring more than 2,500 players from over 50 countries.

Continue reading “Lindsey Ellis, architect of ASU women’s hockey, tapped to coach Team USA at Winter World University Games”

• Slug: Sports–NBA Summer League.1890 words.
• 6 photos.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Following some basketball practices in high school, Cody Williams and Ben Egbo had their routine. They would travel to Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, sit in the soul food restaurant and wait for their order: Two waffles, three pieces of chicken and blue Kool-Aid.

If Lo-Lo’s didn’t satisfy their palate for the day, Popeyes was the other option for the Perry High School graduates. If they weren’t hungry, visiting each other’s house would suffice. The best friends first met in the eighth grade, and as the two developed a stronger bond, Egbo witnessed Williams’ climb with a front-row view.

Williams led the Pumas to a 30-1 record and second straight Class 6A state title in 2023, when he was a senior. He was named a 2023 McDonald’s All-American and became the University of Colorado’s first five-star recruit since 2001. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 55.2% from the field and 41.5% from the perimeter during his lone season at Colorado. The Utah Jazz selected him No. 10 overall in the 2024 draft, joining his brother, Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams, in the NBA.

After leading the Jazz to a 90-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Saturday in an NBA 2K25 Summer League matchup with 21 points on 60% shooting, Williams discussed how his Christian faith has kept him steady-minded through a fast-paced journey.

Continue reading “Perry High’s Cody Williams leans on faith, family to remain steady amid quick rise to NBA”

• Slug: Sports–Caminiti MLB Draft. 790 words.
• 4 photos.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Entering the 2024 MLB draft, Saguaro High School’s Cam Caminiti was a top name on the radar of many teams. The 17-year-old proved his dominance as a senior and earned the right to have his name called Sunday in the first round, where he was selected 24th overall by the Atlanta Braves.

“It’s an incredible organization and it feels so good to be here tonight,” Caminiti told ESPN after being selected. “It feels incredible. I was a little nervous at first but I’m just so excited to be on the next step in my journey and I couldn’t be more excited,”

Caminiti is the cousin of 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti. Ken, who died in 2004, played for the Braves in 2001 and finished his 14-year career with three consecutive Golden Gloves and three All-Star appearances.

Continue reading “Saguaro High phenom Cam Caminiti joins Atlanta Braves as 24th pick in 2024 MLB Draft”

• Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Weather. 650 words.
• 3 photos available

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game approaches, the Valley is once again facing extreme heat conditions for this weekend. While temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking levels seen in 2023, visitors should still prepare for dangerously hot conditions.

Last year, the city experienced its hottest July on record, with temperatures reaching 117 degrees. This year has been slightly cooler, although the forecast for the two-day All-Star showcase still predicts temperatures to rise to 113 degrees, according to World Weather, as excitement and visibility for the WNBA has reached an all-time high.

Continue reading “Phoenix readies for 2024 WNBA All-Star Game with heat safety a top priority”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Travel, 943 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – University of Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu plans to rely more heavily on his counselor this year. The prudent approach stems from the increased travel responsibility he will endure this upcoming college football season and the possible academic challenges that may arise.

Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of Utah and the University of Colorado will make their Big 12 Conference debut this upcoming football season. As a result, schools like Arizona and ASU now face more frequent travel outside the West Coast, including games against teams as far as the University of Central Florida.

The shift to new time zones brings challenges such as altered assignment submission deadlines and possibly reduced cognitive function among players due to jet lag. These factors generate concern about the athletes’ ability to maintain full focus on their education. Continue reading “Big 12 debut brings new academic and travel hurdles for ASU, Arizona athletes”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Media Day, 550 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark opened the conference’s media days Tuesday and made a bold declaration for the newly expanded league in his first remarks: “I will not stop until we are the number one conference in America,” he said. 

Speaking at Allegiant Stadium, home of the first official event of the 16-team Big 12, Yormark emphasized the conference’s national reach and growth over the past year. His comments set the tone of confidence and excitement for the future of the Big 12, which now includes new members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

“There has never been a better time than right now to be part of the Big 12,” Yormark said. “We are truly a national conference, in 10 states, four time zones, and all eyes are now on the Big 12, for all the right reasons.  Continue reading “‘All eyes are on (us)’: New-look Big 12 debuts at Las Vegas media days with bold ambitions”

• Slug: Sports-ASU Big 12, 740 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – In its second year under coach Kenny Dillingham, the Arizona State football team looks to continue building a culture, even while it adapts to a new conference, the Big 12.

Dillingham participated in the Sun Devils’ first Big 12 Football Media Day at Allegiant Stadium Tuesday along with four of his players: defensive back Xavion Alford, offensive lineman Leif Fautanu, running back Cameron Skattebo and defensive lineman Clayton Smith.

“Super excited to be in the Big 12,” Dillingham said. “Excited to play in all these unbelievable cities, with the unbelievable atmospheres for our guys to play in. I think this is one of the best coached conferences in the league. From top to bottom, I think every game is a grind and I’m really excited to be a part of it.” Continue reading “Last place? ASU dismisses skeptics who predict poor Big 12 finish”