Another assist: Suns guard Chris Paul helps kids read, learn with his new children’s book

PHOENIX – Chris Paul partnered with Page Turners Make Great Learners to promote his new children’s book and encourage children to read more. The 12-time NBA All-Star had so much fun doing a virtual read-along event, he invited a classroom of kids from an Atlanta-area school to a game when the Suns visited the Atlanta Hawks and met the young readers face-to-face.

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul has helped increase representation in publishing by authoring two children's books. "Once upon a time, I couldn’t see myself on the bookshelves," PTMGL founder Fefe Handy said. (File photo by Harrison Zhang/Cronkite News)

San Diego State’s loss to UConn in NCAA National Championship game does little to quiet Pac-12 rumors

HOUSTON – Despite the Aztecs' loss against UConn in the national championship game Monday night, their NCAA tournament run has solidified the athletic program’s case for a potential move to the Pac-12.

San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher wouldn't be surprised if a Power 5 conference showed interest in the Aztecs. "Everything we're about is first-class," he said after Monday's national championship game. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Phoenix Rising sets franchise attendance record in first game at new stadium

Phoenix Rising set its franchise record for attendance when more than 10,400 fans attended the team’s first game in its new stadium at 38th Street and Washington. Rising battled to a 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal in the game.

On the move throughout the Valley in recent seasons, Phoenix Rising attracted over 10,000 fans in the club's first game at their new stadium. (Photos courtesy of Phoenix Rising FC)

‘We couldn’t be closer:’ Hurley brothers strive to continue family legacy

HOUSTON – With UConn set to play in the championship game on Monday, Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley is living in the moment with his brother, Dan.

UConn coach Dan Hurley and his brother, Bobby, shared a healthy sibling rivalry growing up. Now, their brotherhood is stronger than ever and will be on display in Monday's men's national championship. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

‘I got a Ph.D. in basketball’: Experience at Arizona pays off for SDSU assistant coach JayDee Luster

HOUSTON – San Diego State men’s basketball assistant coach JayDee Luster credits his time as a graduate assistant at Arizona under Sean Miller for helping him understand what it takes to help a team get to the top of the NCAA.

San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball assistant coach JayDee Luster understands the moment of high-pressure games from his experience working with the Arizona Wildcats. (Photo courtesy of SDSU Athletics)

Dancers battle it out in Tempe for a chance to compete on the global stage

TEMPE – About 80 dancers went head-to-head in 1v1 freestyle battles as part of the Red Bull “Dance Your Style” auditions at Arizona State University’s Galvin Plaza. The top two winners advance to regional finals in Los Angeles.

Ronnie Bradley, known as Deadend, battles in the semifinal round of the Red Bull Dance Your Style audition on March 18, 2023, at Arizona State University’s Galvin Plaza in Tempe. Deadend will compete in the regional finals in Los Angeles April 1. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Coyotes’ courtship of Hispanic community continues with celebration of Cesar Chavez Day

TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes celebrated Cesar Chavez two days early in an effort to further integrate itself into Arizona’s Hispanic community. The team, which is the NHL’s first with a Latino CEO and president, volunteered at four different sites in Tempe.

Arizona Coyotes front office staff recently helped out at ACCEL school for Cesar Chavez Day by building and doing other activities, including painting and sanding. (Photo by Haley Smilow/Cronkite News)

Milwaukee Brewers, off to 2-1 start, excited about pitching staff

PHOENIX – 2021 Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes earned the Opening Day starter spot for the Brew Crew as Milwaukee banks on pitching strength for the 2023 season.

Two-time All-Star and 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes is part of a hungry Milwaukee Brewers rotation that eyes the playoffs in 2023. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

From Sunnyslope to San Diego State, Elijah Saunders relishes road to Final Four

PHOENIX – Sunnyslope High School alum Elijah Saunders now plays for San Diego State University which is on an improbable run to the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Elijah spoke about his time at Sunnyslope and how it helped him prepare for his time at San Diego State.

Phoenix native Elijah Saunders helped Sunnyslope High win a state championship as a junior. He signed with San Diego State because its basketball program reflected similar values. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Pro-Coyotes arena groups decry lawsuit, urge Tempe voters to pass ballot measures

TEMPE – The Arizona Coyotes and other groups in favor of a proposed hockey arena and entertainment district in Tempe urged voters to pass ballot measures in May that would allow the project to proceed. The group also decried a lawsuit the city of Phoenix filed Tuesday against Tempe related to the development.


ASU football pro day inspires unity one last time in final showcase for NFL scouts

TEMPE – Despite a tough season, the 2022 Sun Devil team became a family through the adversity it faced. ASU’s pro day Monday offered one last day together as a team, this time in front of NFL scouts.

Arizona State defensive lineman Travez Moore credits Joe Connolly for training him and his teammates to impress NFL scouts during pro day. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Game changers: Two years after historic broadcast, rise of women shakes up industry

PHOENIX – The first all-women’s NBA basketball broadcast happened in 2021 and two years later, women continue to make names for themselves, but sometimes change is still glacially slow.

Ann Meyers Drysdale, left, and Cindy Brunson are trailblazers helping to change the makeup of the broadcast industry while inspiring the next generation of women. (Photo courtesy of Ann Meyers Drysdale)