A new Big 3 era: Bradley Beal excited to contend for championships with the Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX – Bradley Beal addressed the Phoenix media Thursday for the first time since being traded to the Suns. He spoke on playing in meaningful games, playing with teammates Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton, and how healthy he feels.

After playing with the same team for 11 years, Bradley Beal said he is looking forward to playing for the Phoenix Suns. “I feel refreshed, I feel rejuvenated. This is an exciting moment for me. This is an awesome team.” (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Suns)

From Russia, with question marks: Coyotes surprise many with top selections in NHL Draft

PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes caused a stir when they drafted Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But sixth and 12th, respectively, in the NHL Draft Wednesday. The teammates and friends from Russia were excited about the selection but many experts from around the country questioned why the pair went so high.

Daniil But, left, and Dmitri Simashev are not only friends and teammates, but were also the Arizona Coyotes’ top two selections in the NHL Draft. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)

Valley of dreams: Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara in awe of NBA arrival

PHOENIX – With the 52nd pick in the draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Toumani Camara. A defensive-style player with a drive to win, Camara will fit seamlessly into Frank Vogel’s style of play.

Phoenix Suns forward Toumani Camara was introduced Tuesday at the Verizon 5G Performance Center. Camara was drafted by the Suns as the 52nd overall pick last Thursday in the 2023 NBA Draft. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Arizona Coyotes set for NHL Draft with two first-round picks and plenty of options

PHOENIX – What will the Coyotes and general manager Bill Armstrong decide to do with two picks in the first round of Wednesday’s NHL Draft? One expert predicts the organization to take a defenseman.

Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong is taking a simple approach to the 2023 NHL Draft. “We take the best player and we figure it out from there,” he said Tuesday. (Photo by Rudy Aguado/Cronkite News)

‘Playing with fire’: Brittney Griner discusses WNBA travel, All-Star bid

PHOENIX – Despite missing the entire season, Brittney Griner was named an honorary starter at the 2022 WNBA All-Star game. This year, after being named a starter, she will have the opportunity to be there in person.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was named a starter in the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game to extend her streak to nine consecutive selections – one shy of the league record. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

From Scottsdale to Vancouver, Jaden Lipinski’s next stop is 2023 NHL Draft

PHOENIX – Scottsdale native Jaden Lipinski is projected to be drafted in Wednesday’s NHL Draft. He continues the legacy of players helping to grow the sport in the Valley as he looks to become Arizona’s next hockey star.

Jaden Lipinski, who developed his passion for hockey as a member of the Jr. Coyotes, plans to return to the Vancouver Giants next season. The Scottsdale native is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round of Wednesday's 2023 NHL Draft. (Photo courtesy of Jaden Lipinski)

Tommy Lloyd, Bobby Hurley provide offseason updates in new age of recruiting

PHOENIX – At the Section 7 high school tournament, Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd and ASU men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley reflected on the state of college basketball and how their teams are shaping up for next season.

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley is taking his team on an offseason trip to Europe. He hopes the journey will be a bonding experience for his returning players and new recruits in this challenging era of college basketball coaching. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Mercury turn page with new interim coach and outlook after Vanessa Nygaard’s dismissal

PHOENIX – Injuries and chemistry issues have dropped the Phoenix Mercury to last place in the WNBA at 2-10. The first organizational response has come in the form of Vanessa Nygaard’s firing.

The Phoenix Mercury enter Tuesday's game against the Dallas Wings riding a five-game skid after Saturday's loss to the Seattle Storm. On Sunday, Nikki Blue replaced Vanessa Nygaard as interim coach. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

‘Rarest card in the set’: Family trades in Druw Jones rookie card for $250,000

PHOENIX – The Druw Jones rookie card was found and sold to Dave and Adam’s Card World in early June. The collectible could hold even more value in the future.


Douglas dynamo: Cochise’s JUCO basketball thrives under guidance of Jerry Carrillo

DOUGLAS – Located miles from the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona, Cochise College men’s basketball has become a powerhouse under recently-inducted Jerry Carrillo, who has 629 wins with the school since he was hired in 1995.

Cochise men's basketball coach Jerry Carrillo started building his program into a powerhouse by recruiting students from New Mexico. Now international players seek out Cochise as a destination school for junior colleges. (Photo courtesy of Cochise College Athletics)

LGBTQIA+ inclusive adult sports leagues changing the game for Arizona’s queer athletes

PHOENIX – Queer-identifying athletes have found a way to participate in safe and respectful athletic environments through inclusive adult leagues in Arizona and across the country.

Inclusive adult sports leagues provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to compete without discrimination, bullying and harassment. (Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Corbin Carroll’s stardom is everything Arizona Diamondbacks needed to rejuvenate franchise, fan base

PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks are in first place in their division, thanks in large part to Corbin Carroll. Carroll is having an MVP-level rookie season, as he already statistically ranks among the best players in the league.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll is turning heads as a rookie. In his first full season, Corbin ranks in the top five of WAR (3.7) in Major League Baseball. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)