How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world

FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.

Many runners come to Flagstaff for the high-altitude training. Rachel Schneider often ran through Buffalo Park to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Save the date: Phoenix awarded 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

LAS VEGAS – Get ready, basketball fans. Among the news to come out of WNBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas was the announcement that the Mercury will host next year’s midseason event at Footprint Center.


Photo essay: Arizona Coyotes prospects shine at 2023 development camp despite unknown future

SCOTTSDALE – Following an improved 2022-23 season, the Arizona Coyotes gave fans a glimpse into the future at their 2023 development camp. From July 3-7, the Coyotes held practices and a scrimmage to let their prospects get a taste of the NHL.


How #WeAreBG campaign helped bring home Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury are the trailblazers for generating popularity and building a voice for women’s basketball. In partnership with Wasserman, the #WeAreBG campaign is one of the many ways they shine brighter spotlights on their players and their sport.


Behind the scenes: Intricate planning and preparation required to host an NCAA national championship

TEMPE – Arizona State will be the host institution for its third National Championship event in a 10-month span by the time the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four is played in April. Hosting these tournaments is no easy task and often take years of preparation.

Phoenix will be at the center of men's college basketball in April 2024 when the Final Four is held at State Farm Stadium after years of planning. (File photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Nico Mannion uses summer league to make case for NBA roster spot

LAS VEGAS – After standing out at Pinnacle High and Arizona, Nico Mannion hopes summer league play can help him return to NBA.

Nico Mannion hopes that his NBA Summer League play will prove that he belongs on an NBA roster full time. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)

Inspired by strong family support, Toumani Camara makes waves in NBA Summer League with Phoenix Suns

LAS VEGAS – Toumani Camara has been heating up for the Suns at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Making the trip all the way from Belgium, his family has been loud and proud at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.

Anne Le Docte, the mother of Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara, showed strong support along with family members during Monday's game against the Miami Heat at Thomas & Mack Center. "It's amazing, it's a dream,” she said. (Screengrab by Andrew Lind/Cronkite News)

Former Arizona Wildcat Bennedict Mathurin aims to become NBA’s premier two-way player in second season

LAS VEGAS – Bennedict Mathurin has starred in summer league, leading the Indiana Pacers with impressive scoring and a determination to improve his defense.

Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin is focused on improving his defense to match his offensive output during the 2023 NBA Summer League. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

GCU shortstop Jacob Wilson makes history, highlights talent in draft from Arizona

PHOENIX – Jacob Wilson makes GCU history in baseball’s amateur draft, while Arizona’s Chase Davis and ASU’s Luke Keaschall land in the first two rounds. The Diamondbacks also add to their talent.

Grand Canyon infielder Jacob Wilson made history as the first Lopes player to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft. (Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

‘Swiss Army knife’: Toumani Camara puts versatility, maturity on display in NBA Summer League debut

LAS VEGAS – After the Suns selected Toumani Camara with the No. 52 pick in this year's NBA Draft, Camara looked like anything but a rookie in his first taste of NBA action.

Phoenix Suns draft pick Toumani Grant had a strong outing in the team’s NBA Summer League opener Saturday in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of PHNX Sports)

‘Good to go’: Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kyle Lewis steps in for injured Corbin Carroll refreshed, ready

PHOENIX – Kyle Lewis has dealt with a collection of illness and injuries over the years, but his return to the Arizona Diamondbacks should help their second half push in the wake of Corbin Carroll’s shoulder injury.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Kyle Lewis replaced the injured Corbin Caroll and finished 0-for-2 in Thursday's 9-0 loss to the New York Mets at Chase Field. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns wrap up final tune-up before NBA summer league run

PHOENIX – A team of unfamiliar faces will take the court Saturday when the Phoenix Suns open Summer League play in Las Vegas. Summer League coach Quinton Crawford and draft pick Toumani Camara address what the expectations will be Vegas.

Toumani Camara said he’s excited to put on the Phoenix Suns jersey for NBA Summer League. The team plays its first game Saturday in Las Vegas. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)