• Slug: Sports-GCU MBB Preview, 1,070 words.
• Photo available.

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the clock struck 7 p.m. before the ring ceremony began, the student section known as the Havocs started singing “Be Ready” by Sovereign Grace Music in complete unison and without music, engulfing Global Credit Union Arena with their voices.

The Havocs’ impromptu celebration carried Grand Canyon University’s men’s basketball team into its emotional Western Athletic Conference championship ring and banner reveal ceremony Tuesday night, a reminder of the Lopes’ accomplishments from last season and what they have on the line this year.

It’s safe to say GCU fans are more than ready for the start of college basketball season. However, the Lopes have work to do to live up to the hype expected from the Havocs this season.  Continue reading “Rebounds and turnovers: GCU men’s basketball eyes improvements, looks to defend WAC title”

• Slug: Sports-GCU Roller Hockey, 860 words.
• Photo available.

By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PEORIA – Kawena Lee was awakened by teammate Zach Hoffman while taking a nap on his couch with the news that Bethel University’s roller hockey team had folded due to financial issues.

“I’m all lethargic and drowsy from my nap still, and (Hoffman) says, ‘Did you hear about the news?’ I said no, and he told me to check my email because Bethel just closed their roller hockey program,” Lee said.

One year removed from making the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) semifinals, members of the Bethel University Wildcats, located in McKenzie, Tennessee, suddenly needed new places to play for the 2024-25 season, and a trio of players found a home in the desert with Grand Canyon University. Along with forwards Lee and Hoffman, defenseman Josh Little also joined the movement to Arizona. Continue reading “Transfer trio: GCU roller hockey championship team boosted by newcomers from Bethel University”

• Slug: Sports-Arizona Cardinals Bears, 700 words.
• Photo available.

By James Morel
Cronkite News

TEMPE – On any given Sunday, the unusual can happen. Last Sunday, in something you’d see in a movie, the Chicago Bears were stunned by a last-second Hail Mary, while further south, the Arizona Cardinals jubilantly celebrated following a game-winning field goal.

The two teams, on contrasting paths, meet Sunday in a clash at State Farm Stadium, though the Cardinals know any ounce of momentum soared out the window when they touched down back in Phoenix.

“We got our work cut out for us, it’s going to be a big-time challenge,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday. Continue reading “Arizona Cardinals return home to test momentum vs. heartbroken Chicago Bears”

• Slug: Sports – Big 12 Media Day, 900 words.
• Photo available.

By Patrick Holleron and Doyal D’angelo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – There are sure to be adjustments and maybe some growing pains in the upcoming 2024-25 college basketball season for this year’s inductees to the Big 12 Conference.

Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado and Utah all became members of the league following the collapse of the Pac-12 Conference and joined a pantheon of college basketball powerhouses in the Big 12.

The overarching theme of the Big 12 Basketball Media Day was the challenge former Pac-12 teams face while adjusting to the officiating, style of play and travel the newcomers will experience in the Big 12. Continue reading “Arizona schools must adjust to physicality, officiating in inaugural Big 12 men’s basketball season”

• Slug: Sports–Alex Verdugo Feature. 2,481 words.
• 9 photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The jarring phone call came as Alex Verdugo was enjoying lunch with his brother, Chris, at a pizza parlor in Minnesota. The call came from Verdugo’s agent with news that the Los Angeles Dodgers had just traded him to the Boston Red Sox.

Verdugo was upset. Then bummed. Then in denial. But it was his brother who helped him accept the dark realities of the business side of baseball.

Chris pointed out that he should feel honored. He was being traded for two potential Hall of Famers – outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price. Continue reading “‘World’ of support: Alex Verdugo’s family-fueled journey from Tucson leads to baseball’s biggest stage”

• Slug: Sports – Arizona Wildcats WBB, 770 words.
• Photo available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Arizona’s women’s basketball team, four years removed from its national championship appearance under coach Adia Barnes, enters the 2024-25 season in need of a fresh start.

Coming off its first sub-20-win season since 2017-18, Arizona was picked to finish seventh in the conference during the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day in Kansas City.

But those who sleep on the Wildcats do so at their own peril. Continue reading “Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team determined to prove Big 12 critics wrong in debut season”

• Slug: Sports – GCU Fall League 858 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Kendall Flynn
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – MLB prospects in the Arizona Fall League went back to school over the weekend to relive their days of playing college baseball or, for some, experience competing on a college stage for the first time.

The Mesa Solar Sox (9-6) prevailed 14-10 over the Peoria Javelinas (4-11) Friday at GCU Ballpark as part of the AFL’s long-time partnership with Grand Canyon University that allows the Lopes to host games on campus. For GCU players who are set to participate in the MLB Desert Invitational in February 2025, hosting a Fall League offers the chance to see the growth that is possible for them to achieve in a college career.

For Xavier Isaac, ranked as MLB’s 36th-best prospect, playing at GCU was a first-time experience. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him out of Forsyth High School in Kernersville, N.C. in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. At No. 29, he was the highest-selected first baseman in that draft. Continue reading “Back to school: Arizona Fall League prospects take college stage at GCU Park for showcase”

• Slug: Sports – Phoenix Suns Reserves, 830 words.
• Photo available.

By Connor Moreno
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will win their team a fair share of games. That’s their job. However, through an otherwise shaky 2-1 start to the season, it’s been the Big Three’s supporting cast that has stabilized the Suns.

Forwards Royce O’Neale and rookie Ryan Dunn have been especially instrumental.

O’Neale needed just the final 3.9 seconds of the third quarter to impact the outcome of a 114-102 Phoenix victory over the Dallas Mavericks Saturday. Continue reading “Phoenix Suns reserves Royce O’Neal, Ryan Dunn breathe life into team to start NBA season”

• Slug: Sports – ASU Baseball Culture, 960 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Ethan Desjardine
Cronkite News

TEMPE – At Arizona State’s baseball fall practices, the body language seems different, the music a little more vibrant, and the vibe slightly more upbeat than in previous years.

Even though ASU’s baseball program is one of the most storied in the country, with 22 NCAA World Series appearances and five NCAA championships, as of late, the program has faced tough times.

The Sun Devils have had just four losing seasons in history, three of which have come since 2017, and in 2024, for the first time since 1959-63, ASU missed the postseason for a third season in a row. Continue reading “ASU baseball hopes to build on last season with new coaching hires, transfers”

• Slug: Sports–ASU Men’s Basketball, 1,100 words.
• Photo available.

By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – At his first Big 12 media day, Bobby Hurley talked about playing “Arizona State basketball.” Now entering his 10th season in charge of Sun Devils men’s basketball, an important question begs answering: What is Arizona State basketball?

When considering identities in the Big 12, coach Kelvin Sampson’s high-octane rebounding at Houston and Bill Self’s big-game prowess with the Kansas Jayhawks often come to mind. The answer to that question is not easy for Arizona State.

The Sun Devils have a 155-131 record under Hurley, a collegiate basketball legend and member of a truly dynastic basketball family. But those 155 wins produced just three NCAA Tournament appearances, zero trips to the round of 32 and zero conference championships in the Pac-12. Continue reading “Playing ‘Arizona State basketball’: Bobby Hurley, Sun Devils seek identity in first Big 12 season”

• Slug: Sports–Chase Budinger, 1,900 words.
• Photo available.

By Koby Braunstein
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Olympic Games bind the most esteemed athletes in history to a fraternity powered by mastery in sport.

Former University of Arizona standout and seven-year NBA veteran Chase Budinger joined this exclusive club at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, but his feats did not occur on the hardwood. Budinger left his mark in the beach volleyball sand for Team USA.

Beach volleyball has been a part of Budinger’s life dating back to his teenage years, and he maintained a burning ambition to play once basketball was in the rearview mirror. Continue reading “Act II: Chase Budinger delivers encore in beach volleyball at 2024 Paris Olympics after NBA journey”

• Slug: Sports–High School to College, 2,400 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University women’s basketball coach Molly Miller began the team’s first official practice week with what she calls “camp week.”

Monday was “Camp Go,” focusing on transition and conditioning. Tuesday was “Camp Bucket,” introducing Miller’s offensive system. Wednesday was “Camp Lockdown,” her favorite, centered on defense. And purposefully, the week ended with “Camp Grit,” emphasizing screening, taking charges, rebounding and trapping.

Rather than allowing the mental and physical weight of the high school-to-college transition to slowly creep up and “smack them in the face,” she said camp week is intentionally designed to do just that. Continue reading “Navigating new heights: Former top Arizona basketball prospects conquer mental, physical demands at next level”

• Slug: Sports–Country Representation, 2,000 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Dylan Ackermann
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon women’s basketball player Trinity San Antonio still dreams about indulging in the viral chocolate chip muffins from the Olympic Village.

A must-have on her plate or in her hands at every meal, the Puerto Rican guard cherished enjoying what many could only experience through social media.

While the flavor of the American-inspired pastry somehow earned gold in a country famous for its pastries, there was a deeper meaning – beyond taste – that made it her favorite part of the Paris Olympics last summer. Continue reading “‘It means everything’: Arizona athletes reflect on representing heritage at Paris Olympics, World Cup”

• Slug: Sports–WM Phoenix Open Changes, 570 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Keller Brown
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Following a chaotic 2024 tournament that received national scrutiny, organizers of the WM Phoenix Open announced sweeping changes to the PGA Tour’s most popular event.

A second entrance, higher ticket prices and wider walkways are among the changes for the tournament dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass,” which often attracts close to 500,000 fans each year.

The goal is to make it “better, not bigger,” Matt Mooney, the 2025 WM Phoenix Open chairman, said Wednesday. Continue reading “‘Better, not bigger’: New entrance, ticket policy among changes for 2024 WM Phoenix Open”

• Slug: Sports–Suns Photo Essay, 1,200 words.
• 17 photos available.

By Brendan Pricco
Cronkite News

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Mat Ishbia is known around Arizona as the billionaire owner of the Phoenix Suns, who open their season Wednesday night at the Los Angeles Clippers’ new Intuit Dome. However, if you travel across the country to the spirited and picturesque college town of East Lansing, Michigan, he is known for his connection with the Michigan State Spartans.

Before conquering the business world, Ishbia was a 5-foot-10, 175-pound walk-on point guard attending his home state university: Michigan State. In his three-year career, he appeared in 48 total games, often in garbage time when the game had already been decided. The most significant minute of his collegiate career came on April 4, 2000.

Tom Izzo called Ishbia’s name in the final minute of Michigan State’s national championship victory over Florida. Not only did Ishbia log a minute, he made sure to etch his name into the box score with a shot attempt: a miss. Continue reading “Photo essay: Michigan State celebrates return of Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia”

• Slug: Sports–GCU WBB Preview, 1,200 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Kendall Flynn
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon women’s basketball team welcomed seven new players to its roster. Despite the influx of talented newcomers, the Lopes are still working on meshing as a herd, which is something they will need to do quickly as the season officially begins Nov. 4.

GCU is hoping an infusion of fresh talent will give the Lopes a boost as they prepare for their final year in the Western Athletic Conference. Next year, GCU will join the West Coast Conference, meaning if the Lopes hope to capture their first WAC title, it’s now or never.

Looking at the Lopes’ record of 25-8 and 16-8 in the WAC last season, it’s no wonder the team had record-breaking achievements, including the most wins in their Division I-era season and the second-most home victories. However, the Lopes fell short in the first round of the WAC Tournament and went another season without an NCAA Tournament berth. Continue reading “New faces, same goal: GCU women’s basketball looks promising heading into final WAC season”

• Slug: Sports–Youth Gambling Effects, 950 words.
• Photo available.

By Breden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Marc Lefkowitz was in his 20s, he struggled with a gambling problem. Now, after nearly 40 years of abstaining from gambling, he hopes to help today’s younger generation overcome their addiction the same way he did.

“When I grew up, you were a degenerate if you gambled on a regular basis,” said Lefkowitz, an internationally certified gambling counselor with over 25 years of experience. “Now it’s so socially acceptable.”

Many factors can contribute to teen gambling. Stress relief is one component of gambling’s appeal to the younger generation, according to Lefkowitz. He also points to teens experiencing problems in school and, most commonly, genetic issues, where addiction runs in a person’s family. Continue reading “Don’t ‘become a pickle’: Long-term psychological effects of youth gambling concern addiction experts”

• Slug: Sports–Sports and Religion, 650 words.
• Photo available.
• Video available (Video by Deron Orr Jr./Cronkite News)

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

TEMPE – Terry Shoemaker’s trip to a Baltimore cemetery inspired his research on sport and religion for years to come.

Shoemaker, a research scholar and religious studies professor at Arizona State, recently published his book “Religions and Sports: The Basics,” which covers the connections between religious and sporting activities.

“To study these two things, either comparatively or as if they’re overlapping, gives us a sense of what humans do and why they do it,” Shoemaker said in an interview with Cronkite News. Continue reading “Arizona State researcher Terry Shoemaker explores how sports and religion share common ground”

• Slug: Sports–NFL Prospect Arizona Colorado, 880 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Saleh Awwad
Cronkite News

TUCSON – The Arizona Wildcats’ showdown against the Colorado Buffaloes and Deion Sanders in Tucson quickly turned into a lopsided dud Saturday, but for NFL fans watching, the game featured a surplus of names expected to be called at the 2025 draft.

Across the two teams, five projected 2025 first-round NFL Draft picks took the field at Arizona Stadium, according to ESPN’s latest mock draft.

Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea and Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis matched up against Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Continue reading “Arizona, Colorado put future NFL draft picks to the test in Tucson with swarm of scouts in attendance”

• Slug: Sports–Bisbee Great Stair Climb, 970 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Keller Brown
Cronkite News

BISBEE – Once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco with a population of about 23,000 people in the early 1900s, this once-booming mining community has transitioned into what today is a quirky artists enclave and tourist attraction.

But the town of about 5,000 tucked into the Mule Mountains not far from the U.S.-Mexico border still celebrates its rich history each year through the equally quirky Bisbee 1000: The Great Stair Climb.

It is a foot race (or walk) over a 4.5-mile course that winds through town and incorporates nine of the community’s many staircases, requiring contestants to climb more than 1,000 stairs along the way. Continue reading “The Great Stair Climb: Bisbee 1000 pays tribute to mining town’s boom days”