Big 12 debut brings new academic and travel hurdles for ASU, Arizona athletes

LAS VEGAS – ASU, the University of Arizona and other schools joining the Big 12 Conference are preparing for increased travel that may impact athletes' academic performance, with officials emphasizing the importance of academic support.

As Arizona State transitions to the Big 12, logistical challenges loom for the equipment staff, with longer drives to games, some even on the East Coast. (File photo by William Wilson/Cronkite News)

‘All eyes are on (us)’: New-look Big 12 debuts at Las Vegas media days with bold ambitions

LAS VEGAS – At the Big 12 media days in Las Vegas, Commissioner Brett Yormark unveiled an ambitious vision for the newly expanded 16-team conference.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark addresses the media at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during the first day of Big 12 Media Day. (Photo courtesy of Brad Denny)

Last place? ASU dismisses skeptics who predict poor Big 12 finish

LAS VEGAS – Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham attended his first Big 12 Football Media Day. Picked to finish last in the conference, the Sun Devils and Dillingham say they have improved in the offseason and hope to prove critics wrong.

Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium was transformed into a press setting for Big 12 Football Media Day. Players and coaches, including Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, addressed questions about the new-look conference. (Photo courtesy of PHNX)

Phoenix Suns newcomers Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn set to shine in NBA 2K25 Summer League

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced their 2024 NBA 2K25 Summer League roster, featuring rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. The team will open Saturday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas.

Oso Ighodaro (right), the promising Phoenix Suns rookie and Chandler native, prepares to take on the 2024 NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

‘Philly Special’: Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper’s hometown grit reshaping Phoenix Mercury’s culture

PHOENIX – Philadelphia natives Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper are transforming the Phoenix Mercury with their resilient play and shared hometown bond.

Natasha Cloud (left) and Kahleah Copper (right), congratulate each other after combining for 56 points during Sundays victory against the Los Angeles Sparks. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Mercury)

‘Something to prove’: ASU men’s basketball rebuilds for Big 12 transition with high-profile recruits, transfers

TEMPE – After a disappointing season, ASU men’s basketball revitalizes its roster with top-tier recruits and transfers, aiming for a successful debut in the Big 12 Conference under Coach Hurley’s leadership.

Head coach Bobby Hurley expresses optimism about the future as ASU men's basketball transitions to the Big 12 Conference. (Photo by Dylan Slager/Cronkite News)

‘It’s a lot’: Phoenix Mercury battle mental challenges to endure grueling compressed schedule

PHOENIX – Nate Tibbetts and his players discuss the mental toll that playing on a compressed schedule presents. The team stresses unity to persevere through the demanding juncture in the season.

Natasha Cloud and the Phoenix Mercury players show solidarity during an intense stretch of games, playing four times in six nights over the past week. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

International athletes watch from sidelines as U.S. peers cash in on NIL deals

PHOENIX – International college athletes in the US cannot profit from NIL deals due to visa restrictions. However, lawmakers are looking for ways to change that by adjusting visa restrictions and implementing employment authorization for student-athletes.

"Beth Coulter, an Irish golfer at Arizona State University, represents thousands of international athletes unable to profit from NIL opportunities (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Curling in the desert: Ability360 champions wheelchair curling in Arizona heat

TEMPE – In Arizona's desert heat, Ability360's wheelchair curling clinics at the Coyotes Curling Club fostered community and local enthusiasm for the sport.

Ability360 participants learn the basics of wheelchair curling during a six-week clinic at the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe. (Photo courtesy of Karam Gafsi/Ability360)

‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX – Oso Ighodaro is a 6-foot-10 center who recognizes life is bigger than himself. The newest Suns member recalled moments and people that influenced him to dedicate his life to others through selfless leadership and service. He hopes to bring the same attitude to the Suns.

Phoenix Suns draft pick Oso Ighodaro, in his introductory press conference Tuesday at Player 15 Group headquarters, called himself “a good teammate, good locker room guy.” (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosts second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event for local kids

TEMPE – ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosted his second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event at the Arizona Barber Academy in Tempe, providing free haircuts and fun activities for local children as a way to give back to his community.

Local barbers such as Adib Sanaei come and support by providing their services at ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks' Cutback Giveback Haircut Event. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

‘A true professional’: Caitlin Clark’s poise under WNBA spotlight shines in near triple-double win vs. Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is handling the intense media attention and scrutiny of her WNBA debut season with composure, balancing her professional responsibilities with a team-first focus.

Caitlin Clark, battling a migraine, stops to sign autographs for fans after nearly achieving a triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds in the Indiana Fever's 88-82 win Sunday. (Photo by Stella Subasic/Cronkite News)