Tag: Ryan McDonough

Marvin Bagley III’s winding, complicated journey bring him back to Phoenix

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Bagley Suns, 1,150 words
  • Photo available

By JACK HARRIS
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The question lingered in the Al McCoy Media Center for a few moments.

If the Phoenix Suns don’t select Marvin Bagley III first overall in the NBA Draft, would the Arizona native hold a lifelong “chip” against his hometown team?

Finally, Bagley – who had just completed a pre-draft workout for the franchise – answered. Continue reading “Marvin Bagley III’s winding, complicated journey bring him back to Phoenix”

Off balance: Len’s future with the Suns is up in the air

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: Sports-Suns Len, 1,680 words
  • Photos available (thumbnails, captions below)

By Gavin Schall
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Growing up in the coal mining town of Antratsyt, Ukraine, Alex Len’s first love was gymnastics, a sport typically dominated by pint-sized people.

That’s not Len, who eventually would sprout to 7 feet, 1 inch in height. He really never had a chance, at least in gymnastics.

“I was the tallest in the group, so they told me right away, ‘You’re not going to be good,’” Len said.

The tale of Len’s transition to basketball reads like the classic story of every giant who was too awkward, too shy, or simply too blissfully unaware to take up the game without prompting.

Continue reading “Off balance: Len’s future with the Suns is up in the air”