‘Two genuine friends’: Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share near 30-year bond

SALT LAKE CITY – Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Long Beach State’s Dan Monson share a bond that stems deeper than basketball. With the two squads taking different paths to the tournament, both Lloyd and Monson are rejoicing in the opportunity to coach against each other.

Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd discusses his relationship with Long Beach State coach Dan Monson ahead of their game Thursday at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Hayden Cilley/Cronkite News)

Coming home: Chicago native Nicky Lopez brings leadership, culture change to White Sox

GLENDALE - After learning he was being traded to the White Sox the day before his wedding, Nicky Lopez is excited to return home and help change the culture in Chicago.

With a focus on bringing optimism to the Chicago White Sox, Nicky Lopez embraces his role as a leader and aims to contribute to the team's resurgence. (Photo by Joe Eigo/Cronkite News)

Casitas, private clubs highlight upgrades Arizona Cardinals plan for State Farm Stadium

PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals announce several high-end seating upgrades for State Farm Stadium as it stays in the hunt to remain relevant.

The Arizona Cardinals announce $15 million upgrades to State Farm Stadium, including new field-level suites and club areas, aiming to enhance the fan experience. (Renderings courtesy of Arizona Cardinals)

Welcome reunion: Suns sign Isaiah Thomas to 10-day contract as playoffs draw closer

PHOENIX – Isaiah Thomas played for the Phoenix Suns in 2014. Now a decade later, Thomas is back in Phoenix on a 10-day NBA contract and is looking to help the Suns push for the top six in the stacked Western Conference standings.

Isaiah Thomas officially joins the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day contract, marking his return to the NBA after nearly two seasons. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Downtown madness: Final Four countdown kicks off with Coca-Cola bracket reveal outside Phoenix Convention Center

PHOENIX – The Final Four is 18 days away, and the city of Phoenix joined the Madness Tuesday underway as the Coca-Cola bracket was unveiled downtown outside of the convention center.

The Coca-Cola NCAA Men's Tournament bracket stands in front of the Phoenix Convention Center, mar. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)

‘A perfect situation’: Arizona ‘excited’ for First Four matchup against Auburn in NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament

PHOENIX – For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Wildcats are back in the big dance. This year, the Wildcats travel to Connecticut for their First Four matchup against Auburn.

Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Arizona Wildcats coach Adia Barnes leads her squad into the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, ready to make their mark. (Photo by Simon Asher/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

A’s new plate approach is paying dividends thus far in spring training

MESA – The Oakland A's are using the Cactus League to take a team-first approach at the plate, which is prevalent in the early innings of spring training.


Colorado’s Cal Quantrill, Dakota Hudson bring leadership, experience to Rockies pitching staff

SCOTTSDALE – After a season of injuries in 2023, the Colorado Rockies bolstered their depleted pitching staff by bringing in right-handers Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson. The Rockies hope the additions will give them a chance to compete in a loaded NL West this season.


Pac-12 Post-mortem: Coaches, players weigh in on final conference tournament

LAS VEGAS – While teams battled it out for the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the sentimental value of the final Pac-12 Tournament was just as prevalent among players and coaches in Vegas.

Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged that the Pac-12 Tournament “means so much to people outside of our sphere.” (File photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Care to dance? Arizona, GCU prepare for first round of NCAA men’s basketball tournament

PHOENIX – After watching their initial tournament fates be decided on Selection Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats and GCU Antelopes prepare for the madness of March on opposite ends of the tournament seeding spectrum.

Arizona freshman guard KJ Lewis is among the Wildcats excited to begin NCAA Tournament play. The team opens play against Long Beach State Thursday in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)

GCU men punch ticket into NCAA Tournament after winning WAC Championship bout over UT Arlington

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University grinded out a victory in the WAC Championship game over UT Arlington, while earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament. This is the second-consecutive title and third in four years under coach Bryce Drew.


Top-seeded Arizona Wildcats stunned by Oregon Ducks in Pac-12 men’s tournament semifinals

LAS VEGAS – The Arizona men's basketball team squared off with Oregon Friday night in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament and lost 67-59, missing out on a possible three-peat.