Cronkite Sports Stories

Phoenix Suns center Alex Len practices at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ. (Photo by Eric...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Suns ‘keep it real simple’ with improving Alex Len

Alex Len is the one remaining player from the end of the 2013-14 Phoenix Suns season, despite playing just his fifth season in the NBA.
7 years ago
Torey Lovullo landed National League Manager of the Year after an impressive rookie season. (Photo ...
Kevin Palacios

Never thinking he would be ‘good enough,’ Lovullo named Manager of Year

Torey Lovullo never imagined he would be worthy of winning the National League Manager of the Year. He surprised even himself.
7 years ago
(Photo by Arizona Wildcats)...
Matt McClure | Cronkite News

‘We would play on the moon’: Coaches OK with prep title games in Tucson

With the University of Phoenix Stadium booked, the high school football state championships will be played in Tucson for the first time since 2009.
7 years ago
This Feb. 18, 2017 photo shows Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley watching from the bench area i...
Brittany Bowyer | Cronkite News

Recruiting success helping create improved ASU basketball culture

Under coach Bobby Hurley, the Arizona State men’s basketball program appears to have undergone a significant culture change.
7 years ago
Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley is excited about his team's offense this season...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Hurley ‘optimistic’ about ASU basketball heading into opener

Gearing up for the team’s first regular-season game Friday against Idaho State, Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley said there is a notable level of enthusiasm among his players to start the season.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) passes around Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe during the sec...
Eric Newman

Suns rebuilding process ‘open to any scenario’ after Bledsoe-for-Monroe trade

The Phoenix Suns finalized a trade Tuesday, sending Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe and a first-round draft pick.
7 years ago
GCU senior guard Casey Benson drives on a teammate at the first practice of the season, Friday, Sep...
Omar Soussi | Cronkite News

‘Happy to be home’: Benson thrilled to lead NCAA tourney-eligible GCU

Many wondered why Casey Benson would transfer from a Final Four team. He left Oregon for GCU to play with his brother and for coach Dan Majerle.
7 years ago
Arizona State officials hope Sun Devil Stadium can become a year-round facility. (Photo courtesy AS...
Brittany Bowyer | Cronkite News

Hockey, pro soccer part of ASU’s plan for multi-use Sun Devil Stadium

Why have a stadium only for football? Arizona State wants Sun Devil Stadium available for a variety of uses, including hockey and pro soccer.
7 years ago
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (5) scrambles while looking for an open receiver during ...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Arians: Cardinals players have ‘total confidence’ in Stanton

The Cardinals have a shortened week to prepare for the Seattle Seahawks but Bruce Arians believes players have confidence in Drew Stanton.
7 years ago
Questions remain following medical examiner's report about a Moon Valley High School player's death...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Questions remain after examiner’s ruling on Moon Valley player death

PHOENIX — Even with an initial ruling of “blunt-force trauma,” questions and emotions run deep about the death of a Moon Valley High School football player Carlo Sanchez, 16, collapsed after completing a play against Cactus High School on October 20 and passed away later in a local hospital. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office […]
7 years ago
Horse trainer Robertino Diodoro at Turf Paradise, Tuesday, October 24, 2017, Phoenix. (Photo by Jam...
Brooke Coltelli

Diodoro on track to become Turf Paradise’s winningest trainer

Horse training runs through Diodoro’s veins. He describes it as a “disease” and cannot recall a time when horses weren’t a part of his life.
7 years ago
Rookie Josh Jackson has seen multiple team changes in his short time with the Phoenix Suns. (Photo ...
Eric Newman | Cronkite News

Despite growing pains, Suns rookie Jackson shows upside

Josh Jackson has had an eventful start to his NBA career. Despite the ups and downs, the Phoenix Suns see a lot of upside.
7 years ago
University of Arizona men’s basketball coach Sean Miller addressing the media on Tuesday ahead of...
Kevin Palacios | Cronkite News

No. 3 Arizona men’s basketball ‘itching’ to play after challenging offseason

After a disruptive offseason, the Arizona Wildcats begin exhibition play as the No. 3 team in the country.
7 years ago
Youngker High School seniors Chris Rogers Jr., Nathan Blowers, and Anthony Cluff (left to right) al...
Rafael Alvarez | Cronkite News

From naps to Disney music, pregame rituals part of Valley high school football scene

Marshawn Lynch eats Skittles and Cam Newton wears special shoes. NFL players, however, aren’t the only ones with pregame rituals.
7 years ago
Arizona State men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley is optimistic about the 2017-18 season because th...
Josh Clark | Cronkite News

Strong recruiting class adds depth to ASU basketball

Romello White, Kimani Lawrence headline class of newcomers looking to contribute for ASU basketball in the 2017-18 season.
7 years ago
...
Brittany Bowyer

Fifty-eight years after he last played, ASU QB returns to Sun Devil Stadium

Fran Urban, the former ASU quarterback from 1955-1959 played in both Goodwin Stadium and in the first game at Sun Devil Stadium.
7 years ago
Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson, left, blocks a shot by Los Angeles Clippers' Willie Reed during the fir...
Brooke Coltelli

Defense a priority as Suns start five-game road trip

After a slow start, the Suns have rebounded. A key to success on a five-game road trip is to continue playing stubborn defense.
7 years ago
Moon Valley fans remember Carlos Sanchez at the team's final home game Friday. (Photo by Jami Nish/...
Eric Newman

Moon Valley High School remembers fallen teammate

Moon Valley High School honored teammate Carlos Sanchez at its final home game with flag, flowers and a moment of silence.
7 years ago
Fomer Arizona State quarterback Fran Urban last played at Sun Devil Stadium 58 years ago. (Photo by...
Brittany Bowyer

58 years after he last played, ASU quarterback returns to Sun Devil Stadium

Former Arizona State quarterback Fran Urban last played in Sun Devil Stadium in 1959. He is back to watch the Sun Devils take on USC.
7 years ago
Bryan Pimlott is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon in the Valley. He is also successful as a profe...
Ryan Dorfman | Cronkite News

Playing The Odds: Valley surgeon lives double life as successful poker player

One Phoenix surgeon turned his talents to the poker tables and realized he was good enough to start pursuing it professionally.
7 years ago
Arizona State coach Todd Graham is counting on the energy fans can provide at Sun Devil Stadium on ...
Brittany Bowyer | Cronkite News

ASU football hopes to do something it hasn’t done in two decades

The Sun Devils take on USC Saturday night in search of the program’s 600th victory and first place in the Pac-12 South
7 years ago
Rafael Alvarez | Cronkite News

Cardinals stick with Stanton, add Bercovici to practice squad

The Arizona Cardinals are taking a closer look at their quarterback situation after losing Carson Palmer to a broken left arm.
7 years ago
(AP Photo/Matt York)...
Rafael Alvarez | Cronkite News

Suns to change leadership, style of play

Life without Eric Bledsoe and Earl Watson has begun for the Phoenix Suns. The change brings both a change in leadership and a change in play.
7 years ago
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke, left, talks with relief pitcher Archie Bradley,...
Matthew McClure | Cronkite News

‘First time I saw a cactus’: D-backs reflect warmly on Fall League

Current D-backs players found that the Fall League was one of the best experiences they’ve had in baseball. They reflected on why this event was unique.
7 years ago