Tag: draft

With draft rumors in full swing, Suns ‘very comfortable at four’

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Suns draft, 600 words
  • Photo available

By REINERT TOFT
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — With just days remaining before the NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns took one last look at players who had already worked out with the team. Villanova guard Josh Hart, Oregon forward Dillon Brooks and Southern Methodist forward Semi Ojeleye were among those given a second chance Monday to impress the organization.

The workouts came with the draft rumor mill in full swing. ESPN reported that the Suns were interested in trading up to acquire Lonzo Ball, while the Chicago Tribune suggested the Suns could be the third team in a Chicago-Cleveland trade for Jimmy Butler.

Even with the most recent trade between Boston and Philadelphia, general manager Ryan McDonough said the team was “unlikely” to trade up in the draft.

Continue reading “With draft rumors in full swing, Suns ‘very comfortable at four’”

Stoudemire experience illustrates value of NBA draft workouts for Suns

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Suns draft, 820 words
  • Photo available

By JOSE ESPARZA
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Fifteen years ago, the Phoenix Suns had the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Buzz surrounded a high school athlete who had declared himself eligible.

“He had a very checkered past,” former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said about Amar’e Stoudemire. “Not a very stable home condition. He went to a number of different high schools.”

But after putting the player through multiple workouts and attending dinners and a Diamondbacks game with him, Colangelo “made my mind up on the spot that I wanted him.” Continue reading “Stoudemire experience illustrates value of NBA draft workouts for Suns”

Even with Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks confident taking 1st baseman right choice

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Diamondbacks draft, 900 words
  • Photo available

By EDDIE POE
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — It’s a curious time for the Arizona Diamondbacks. While Day One of the Major League Baseball Draft marked a new era for the organization, eyebrows were raised.

Paul Goldschmidt has been a cornerstone in the Valley for nearly seven seasons and the face of the Diamondbacks organization during that time. He’s a four-time All-Star, has won two Gold Glove Awards and has finished second in National League MVP voting twice.

Yet with its first overall pick on Monday, Arizona selected left-handed hitting first baseman Pavin Smith from the University of Virginia. Continue reading “Even with Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks confident taking 1st baseman right choice”