• Slug: Sports-Taurasi Court Unveil. 1077 words.
• Photos available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In downtown Phoenix, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi took center stage in a sleek new facility, surrounded by former and current teammates, marking another accolade in her 20-year career.

The star-studded assembly also included Cheryl Miller, the Mercury’s inaugural head coach and current leader of the Team WNBA All-Star squad, Taurasi’s teammate Brittney Griner and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The scene Thursday unfolded within the Mercury’s newly unveiled $100 million, 58,000-square-foot practice facility, a state-of-the-art complex that boasts two full-sized courts named in Taurasi’s honor. The Diana Taurasi Courts, featuring a unique logo inspired by the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, stand as a testament to her impact on the game and the franchise.

Continue reading “Phoenix Mercury unveil Diana Taurasi Courts at new cutting-edge $100 million practice facility”

• Slug: Sports–Allan Houston Feature. 900 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Before Allan Houston ended his conversation with Maya Moore at the U.S.A. Olympic Basketball 50th Anniversary celebration in Las Vegas last Wednesday, he called his daughter Rowan. Her overwhelming disbelief upon seeing Moore in the camera frame mirrored her emotions from 14 years ago when the Minnesota Lynx legend and four-time WNBA champion responded to a letter Rowan sent her for a second-grade class assignment.

Whether via mail or FaceTime, communicating with her role model gratified Rowan because she admires what Moore embodies beyond basketball prowess: faith, integrity, sacrifice, leadership and legacy.

Those five words also comprise Houston’s social impact brand, FISLL. The brand aims to disseminate those principles through fashion, sports, technology, mentorship and community engagement. Licensing agreements with the NBA and select colleges, including HBCUs, are thriving, and now the two-time NBA All-Star is stepping into a new arena: the WNBA. Houston believes the obstacles players have endured reflect the brand’s values.

“They truly are leaders in our culture and everything that they’ve been through, they continue to fight,” Houston said. “Think about where we have come in terms of this appreciation for women’s sports and the W. They are putting their life on the line for a few months and not getting paid as much. They go overseas and have to play year-round now.

Continue reading “Allan Houston’s FISLL brand showcases WNBA stories through fashion during All-Star weekend”

• Slug: Sports–Jamea Jackson Feature. 994 words.
• Photo available

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the dust settles from the Arizona State women’s tennis team 36th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a new chapter unfolds for the program. Jamea Jackson ushers in a new era following the retirement of coaching legend Sheila McInerney.

The former WTA Tour player-turned-coach is poised to strengthen the Sun Devils’ winning culture, defined by four decades of success with McInerney at the helm. The transition marks only the third changing of the guard for ASU women’s tennis since 1954. As Jackson settles into her new role with big shoes to fill, she brings an appetite to take the Sun Devils to new heights in their Big 12 debut.

“Not often does a place like ASU open up; it’s rare that you even get a sniff at an opportunity like this,” Jackson said while reflecting on her first month as head coach. “And so, everyone that I’ve talked to, be that the girls on the team, be that the people in athletics, be that the student-athlete helpers, everyone’s been so phenomenal, and I’m getting to see firsthand what I already kind of knew way off way across the country.”

Continue reading “Fresh new look: Jamea Jackson takes helm at ASU women’s tennis, aims to smash expectations”

• Slug: Sports–WNBA All-Star Mural. 662 words.
• 5 photos available

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When the Phoenix Mercury asked local artist Antoinette Cauley to design a mural for their community project refurbishing local basketball courts, Cauley didn’t hesitate to say yes – even if it meant working in conditions that could be dangerous if she and her team weren’t careful.

Cauley used drone footage to make sketches and outline her design for the mural. She and her team began most days painting at 5:15 a.m. to beat Arizona’s crippling summer heat. Once temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the crew could no longer continue working due to the paint immediately drying when applied to the concrete.

After three weeks, Cauley and the Mercury unveiled the mural and the four refurbished courts at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex last Wednesday, just in time for the WNBA All-Star weekend, which takes place at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The events kick off Friday night with the skills challenge and 3-point contest, followed by Saturday’s game featuring a matchup between the WNBA All-Stars and the U.S. Women’s National Team, which will represent the country in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

Continue reading “Valley artist collaborates with Phoenix Mercury to design mural commemorating 2024 WNBA All-Star Game”

• 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”

• Slug: Sports-Suns Summer Leagues, 480 words.
• Photo available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – During Oso Ighodaro’s formative years at Desert Vista High School, his former coach Gino Crump recalls a memorable rookie mistake the Phoenix Suns’ new addition made while playing for the Thunder.

Ighodaro forgot to bring a necessary item on a team trip to Las Vegas for a basketball tournament.

“He left one of his uniforms when we went off to our Christmas tournament in Las Vegas,” Crump said. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns newcomers Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn set to shine in NBA 2K25 Summer League”

• Slug: Sports-ASU Basketball Recruits 830 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

TEMPE – After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, ASU men’s basketball is looking to the future. The Sun Devils have utilized the transfer portal ahead of the 2024-25 season and acquired a trio of four- and five-star commits that could make the Sun Devils a formidable force in their Big 12 Conference debut.

The buzz around the Tempe campus centers on five-star commit Jayden Quaintance. The 6-foot-9 center, who played at Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina), was a top prospect for schools like the University of Kentucky and Florida. However, the top center in the 2024 class chose the desert as his new home with coach Bobby Hurley taking the reins of his highly skilled rim control.

“Jayden Quaintance is special,” Hurley said. “And I could keep it real simple. What he’s going to be over the next couple of years is scary because of his approach and his makeup and his physical tools and all the things he does on the court.” Continue reading “‘Something to prove’: ASU men’s basketball rebuilds for Big 12 transition with high-profile recruits, transfers”

• Slug: Sports-Mercury’s Philadelphia Connection, 800 words.
• Photo available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – Kahleah Copper held on to Natasha Cloud’s arm, bowed her head and shared a laugh with her teammate Sunday as they arrived at Crypto.com Arena and approached the visiting locker room. It’s a common off-the-court moment for the two Phoenix Mercury guards. But joy soon turned to aggression on the court, and the ”Philly Sisters” served the Los Angeles Sparks a “Philly Special.”

Copper and Cloud combined for 56 points on 51.5% from the field to lead the Mercury to an 84-78 victory over the Sparks, despite the absence of Diana Taurasi due to a leg injury. Cloud led the team with a career-high 31 points and added nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in a stellar all-around performance. Copper finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Copper and Cloud, both Philadelphia natives and former teammates on the Washington Mystics during Copper’s rookie year in 2016, believe their pre-existing connection impacts their communication on the court, leading to Sunday’s successful outing. Continue reading “‘Philly Special’: Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper’s hometown grit reshaping Phoenix Mercury’s culture”

• Slug: Sports-No NIL International Students, 860 words.
• 2 photos available.
• Video available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Beth Coulter was born and raised in Northern Ireland before moving to Arizona to play for Arizona State University’s women’s golf team. As one of her requirements on the Tempe campus as a Sun Devil athlete, Coulter had to attend mandatory name, image and likeness workshops to learn more about the ways young competitors like herself can market their personal brands to the public.

But there was just one problem – international college athletes like Coulter cannot receive money from NIL deals because of visa restrictions. Students choosing to study in the U.S. require F-1 visas, which allow them to study and live abroad but prevent them from participating in NIL deals.

“To sit there and think about the thousands of dollars that these American kids are earning. And we’re sitting there, and we can’t do anything, it’s a little bit frustrating,” said Coulter, who was the No. 7 recruit in Ireland and joined the Sun Devils team for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Valley’s warm weather and an abundance of opportunities. Continue reading “International athletes watch from sidelines as U.S. peers cash in on NIL deals”

• Slug: Sports-Mercury Schedule Toll, 1,000 words.
• Photo available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Natasha Cloud walked into the postgame press room at Footprint Center after Monday’s loss to the Connecticut Sun with three designer bags, but only had one in hand. Asked about her mental state, the Phoenix Mercury guard said, “Oof,” looked at teammate Kahleah Copper, laughed, turned her head back to the reporter and said, “You see these designer bags under my eyes.”

The Mercury traveled to Dallas the following day to face the Wings Wednesday, their fourth game in six nights. Phoenix finished 2-2 in the condensed stretch after defeating Dallas 104-96, tallying a season high in points, and sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 10-10 record.

The Mercury aren’t alone – many WNBA teams have endured a compressed schedule to account for the Olympic break from July 21 to Aug. 14. Continue reading “‘It’s a lot’: Phoenix Mercury battle mental challenges to endure grueling compressed schedule”

• Slug: Sports-Wheelchair Curling, 635 words.
• Photo available.
• Video available.

By Katrina Villareal
Cronkite News

TEMPE – In the sweltering heat of Arizona, an unlikely winter sport is sliding into popularity. Curling, traditionally associated with icy northern climates, has found an unexpected home in the desert state. Sparked by the excitement of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the ice sport is gaining traction among Valley residents.

Ability360 capitalized on the momentum from May to June by hosting six weeks of wheelchair curling clinics at the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe, where participants learned the techniques required to master the game on ice.

Ability360, a nonprofit organization run by and for people with disabilities to address the needs and barriers within Arizona, aims to empower individuals to achieve or continue independent lifestyles within their community. Through programs like the curling clinics, they are opening up new possibilities for adaptive sports. Continue reading “Curling in the desert: Ability360 champions wheelchair curling in Arizona heat”

• Slug: Sports-Suns Introduce Draft Picks, 927 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In his four years at Desert Vista High School, Oso Ighodaro didn’t need to attend the mandatory tutoring program for basketball players underperforming academically – yet he did. Instead of basking in pride with one of the highest grade point averages on the basketball team and utilizing the potential free time to improve his game, the former four-star prospect assisted teammates struggling in the classroom.

Four years later, Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones introduced Ighodaro as the 40th selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, along with their first-round pick Ryan Dunn, at the Player 15 Group campus Tuesday. 

During the press conference, Ighodora credited witnessing his mom’s selfless approach to life growing up and said he inherited the same attitude to become the  teammate who lays down their life for the next.  Continue reading “‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns”