Cronkite Sports Stories

Diamondbacks pitcher Taijuan Walker is not only a big Los Angeles Lakers fan but he was a basketbal...
Ben Leibowitz | Cronkite News

Diamondbacks players embrace basketball fandom amid NBA Finals

As the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers square off in the NBA Finals, Arizona Diamondbacks players embrace their basketball fandom.
6 years ago
Former USC center Chimezie Metu blocked a George King shot off the backboard during the Suns' pre-d...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

With uncertainty down low, Suns could add shot blocker in second round

With uncertainty down low, the Phoenix Suns could add a shot blocker in second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.
6 years ago
Arizona Rattlers players see the Indoor Football League as a pathway to a career in the NFL. (Photo...
Margaret Naczek | Cronkite News

For Rattlers, IFL is another stepping stone for a career in the NFL

The pathway to the NFL is easy for some -- get drafted or sign as a free agent. But others have to take a longer journey to reach their goal. For some Arizona Rattlers players, a career in the IFL may be the stepping stone to a career in the NFL.
6 years ago
The Diamondbacks will debut 2018 with a humidor in an attempt to reduce home runs at Chase Field th...
Nathanael Gabler | Cronkite News

‘Definitely noticing a difference’: Stats suggest impact of D-backs’ humidor

When the Diamondbacks decided to use a humidor to store their baseballs, they expected home runs and strongly hit balls to decrease. Through just 32 home games, the stats back up the expectations.
6 years ago
Christian LaValle recovered in half the time with the help of an orthopedic specialist in Cleveland...
Jorge Ramos | Cronkite News

Football recruit LaValle grateful for quick recovery, ASU loyalty

One of ASU football’s 2018 commitments suffered a ligament tear in his foot and recovered in half the estimated time doctors said he would.
6 years ago
In his first two seasons at ASU, Tracy Smith led the team to a pair of NCAA Regional berths before ...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

Importance of 2018 MLB Draft has grown for ASU baseball, Tracy Smith

ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson has given coach Tracy Smith a vote of confidence.
6 years ago
Left-hander Matthew Liberatore could be the first high school player selected in the MLB draft. (Ph...
Joel Viss/Cronkite News

Liberatore’s competitiveness makes him top MLB draft prospect

Liberatore, a left-handed pitcher, is the second-ranked prospect in the class of 2018, according to Perfect Game scouting service, and predicted by many to be the first high school player to be selected in Monday’s MLB Draft.
6 years ago
Max Kelley | Cronkite News

Could Aaron Holiday end up as Suns’ No. 16 pick in draft?

With two older brothers already in the NBA, Aaron Holiday impresses at Suns predraft workouts as a possible future point guard.
6 years ago
New Mexico State, which has 14 Arizona high school or junior college players, is playing in the NCA...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

How New Mexico State used Arizona pipeline to reach NCAA Tournament

NMSU has built a baseball pipeline into Arizona that helped the school win the WAC tournament and secure an NCAA tournament berth
6 years ago
At their first pre-draft workout, the Phoenix Suns brought in six former college guards. Among them...
Nathanael Gabler | Cronkite News

Suns see value in four-year college veterans in one-and-done era

In the one-and-done era of the NBA draft, teams still find value late in the draft on college veterans. The Suns got an up-close look at a few possibilities.
6 years ago
Arizona basketball coach Sean Miller said he was “looking forward to the future” in his first o...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

Sean Miller, Arizona rebound from FBI investigation, controversial season

Months removed from a controversial season and FBI investigation, Sean Miller and Arizona are looking forward to rebuilding this offseason
6 years ago
Chaparral football hopes new coach Brent Barnes can return the team to postseason success. (Photo c...
Joel Viss | Cronkite News

Chaparral football hopes new coach Barnes can bring back postseason success

Chaparral football looks to chase state championships again with new coach Brent Barnes. Between 2007-11 Chaparral won three state championships.
6 years ago
Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso (3) celebrates his run scored against the Milwaukee Brewers w...
Ben Leibowitz | Cronkite News

Diamondbacks utility players offer Lovullo ‘invaluable’ flexibility

For the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Torey Lovullo leans on flexibility from players like Daniel Descalso and Chris Owings to fill multiple defensive roles throughout the season.
6 years ago
The Phoenix Convention Center held the NCAA Final Four Fan Fest. (Photo by Tyler Drake/ Cronkite Ne...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

NCAA officials arrive in Phoenix looking at bid for possible Final Four

NCAA officials are getting a first-hand look at Phoenix’s bid to host a future Final Four in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
6 years ago
...
Margaret Naczek | Cronkite News

Stankiewicz’s love of baseball became a family affair

From a father to his children, the Stankiewicz’s love of baseball became a family affair.
6 years ago
Phoenix Suns host pre-draft workouts Tuesday morning.(Photo by Jade Hanson / Cronkite News)...
Jade Hanson | Cronkite News

ASU’s Kodi Justice, Shannon Evans hope to extend basketball careers, work out for Suns

Phoenix Suns hosted ASU’s Kodi Justice and Shannon Evans II on Tuesday morning for pre-draft workouts. Both believe they can keep playing at a high level.
6 years ago
Despite leading the Arizona State baseball team to back-to-back losing seasons, Tracy Smith will re...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

‘We are staying the course’: ASU retains baseball coach Tracy Smith

Ray Anderson says ASU will retain baseball coach Tracy Smith, praising his recruiting and culture while setting high expectations for 2019
6 years ago
Nathanael Gabler | Cronkite News

As states legalize gambling, media must address coverage

Many outlets have reported on the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on bettors or future bettors and the gambling industry itself, but what is underreported is how this decision, and subsequent state legalization, will impact the creation and consumption of sports content.
6 years ago
On Wednesday, May 23, the Mercury lost to Seattle at home, but Griner still notched three more bloc...
Nate Fain | Cronkite News

Blocking shots remains important part of Brittney Griner’s game

Brittney Griner led the WNBA in blocks in each of her first five seasons and isn’t just on pace to set the all-time record for the statistics. She’s going to squash it like a bug on a windshield.
6 years ago
GCU junior Preston Pavlica walks off the field after the Antelopes were surprisingly eliminated aft...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

GCU’s wait for NCAA Tournament bid continues after conference loss

GCU baseball suffered an early exit in its first-ever WAC Tournament, bowing out in two games to bring another promising season to an end.
6 years ago
Serbia's Stefan Jovic, left, challenges Slovenia's Luka Doncic, right, during their Eurobasket Euro...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

How would a Suns’ backcourt of Devin Booker, Luka Doncic operate?

The Deandre Ayton vs. Luka Doncic debate is engulfing the basketball world.
6 years ago
Michael Bidwill (left) and Gov. Doug Ducey announce Arizona’s 2023 Super Bowl. Bidwill called it ...
Jack Harris | Cronkite News

‘The closer’: Gov. Ducey credited with sealing Arizona Super Bowl bid

Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill credited Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey for helping seal the state’s Super Bowl proposal and outlined plans for the 2023 Super Bowl.
6 years ago
ASU head coach Trisha Ford says the key to success in the Super Regional is the teamwork of pitcher...
Margaret Naczek | Cronkite News

ASU softball brings one-two pitching punch to super regional

The Arizona State softball pitching duo of Giselle Juarez and Breanna Macha could be the key to success in the super regional starting Friday.
6 years ago
Arizona State first baeman Spencer Torkelson waits for a pitch early on in an at-bat against Cal St...
Jordan Kaye | Cronkite News

ASU’s Torkelson, Cal’s Vaughn already connected before home run race

Cal’s Andrew Vaughn and ASU’s Spencer Torkelson have been engulfed in a home run race all season.
6 years ago