Finding joy: Mudita and the mindset that changed Alabama men’s basketball

GLENDALE – The high hopes of starting the season strong quickly fading away with a 6-6 record for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but soon something sparked within the program. Mudita, a Buddhist philosophy that preaches taking joy in the accomplishments of other, helped change the entire program's attitudes during its Men’s Final Four run.

The fortunes of the Alabama men’s basketball team changed this season after players started embracing the philosophy of mudita. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Nothing short of madness: UConn, NC State basketball seek rare feat in Men’s and Women’s Final Fours

PHOENIX – On Final Four weekend, UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball both play to take home NCAA championships of their own and continue the school’s basketball dominance.

With the UConn men's and women's basketball teams poised for potential NCAA championships, coaches Dan Hurley, left, and Geno Auriemma aim to guide their players to a special place in history. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Back in Arizona: Men’s Final Four provides full circle moment for NC State’s DJ Horne

After spending two seasons at Arizona State, NC State guard DJ Horne is back in Phoenix, this time looking for a national championship with the Wolfpack.

DJ Horne was a key contributor to the Arizona State men’s basketball team before he entered the transfer portal. (File photo by Julian Rosa/Cronkite News)

‘She was this diamond’: Before women’s Final Four gems, Ann Meyers Drysdale lit up the court

PHOENIX – Before the sport of women’s basketball exploded in popularity and rankings, Ann Meyers Drysdale broke barriers and blazed trails on and off the court.

Ann Meyers Drysdale's contributions to women's basketball continue to resonate through the sport's evolution and increased popularity. (File photo by Kevin Hurley/Cronkite News)

Valley makeover: Downtown Phoenix undergoes massive Final Four transformation

PHOENIX – Phoenix is hosting the Final Four for the first time since 2017. Downtown is experiencing a makeover to host over 100,000 fans, what is it looking like?

Junior forward Mohamed Wague, left, high-fives a fan waiting outside Alabama’s team hotel Thursday. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)

Final Four updates: Purdue coach Matt Painter seeks fair treatment by officials for Zach Edey

GLENDALE – Updates: From travel delays to high ticket prices, the Men’s Final Four in the Valley is already making for an interesting weekend.

The Alabama team bus awaits the arrival of players from the team hotel to take them to State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Brevan Branscrum/Cronkite News)

Purdue Boilermakers chase redemption in first Final Four appearance since 1980

PHOENIX – The Purdue Boilermakers arrived in Phoenix Tuesday night, as they begin their preparation for the men’s Final Four this weekend at State Farm Stadium. Coach Matt Painter and a few players described the emotions entering the weekend.

The Purdue Boilermakers aim to etch their names in basketball history in the 2024 Men's Final Four beginning Saturday at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)

Eastlake Park Community Center unveils NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs joined other officials to unveil the NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project, which refurbished indoor and outdoor basketball courts and upgraded other amenities at Eastlake Park Community Center.

Elizabeth White, 101, stands in front of the Legacy Project mural painted at Eastlake Park Community Center in Phoenix after the unveiling of the NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project, which refurbished indoor and outdoor basketball courts and upgraded other amenities at the center. (Photo by Kayla Mae Jackson/Cronkite News)

Countdown to tip-off: Final Four Week brings hoops fever to Arizona with fan festivities, college basketball’s best

PHOENIX – The NCAA Men’s Final Four is four days away, with many behind the scenes working tirelessly to plan a fun weekend for Arizonans and fans who will travel thousands of miles for the biggest college basketball tournament in the world.

State Farm Stadium gears up to host the NCAA Men's Final Four, while fans eagerly anticipate the festivities both inside and outside the arena. (Photo by Noah Maltzman/Cronkite)

Here’s how Arizona officials are preparing for expected influx of NCAA men’s Final Four visitors

GLENDALE – Gov. Katie Hobbs, accompanied by law enforcement and city officials, held a news conference to discuss security protocols for the upcoming NCAA men’s Final Four games and events, set to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale and in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran III talks about public safety efforts in preparation for the 2024 Men’s Final Four in Arizona. Photo taken April 1, 2024, at the Glendale Media Center. (Photo by Daniella Trujillo/Cronkite News)

Full court success: Flooring for Men’s Final Four successfully installed

GLENDALE – One of the last big pieces associated with hosting the Men’s Final Four in Glendale is complete. It is made from first-grade northern hard maple and is 70 feet by 140 feet.

One challenge associated with constructing a basketball court in a football stadium is that it becomes necessary to build a stage for the court to sit on. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

Final chapter: Teams set, storylines aplenty at NCAA Men’s Final Four

PHOENIX – Final Four week has arrived in the Valley, as UConn, Purdue, NC State, and Alabama fans descend upon Phoenix to watch their teams on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Mark Sears, named the West Region MVP, lifts the trophy high after leading Alabama to its first-ever Final Four appearance. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)