Bennett Silvyn
Bennett Silvyn BEH-nit SIL-vin
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Bennett Silvyn expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and a minor in business, marketing and sports management. Silvyn has interned in marketing and social media for the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, as a reporter for Arizona Foothills Magazine, in sponsorships for the Arizona Rattlers and in social and digital media for FC Tucson. Silvyn has also reported for the Walter Cronkite Sports Network and The State Press.

Latest from Bennett Silvyn

ASU football seeks Territorial Cup redemption in bid to spoil UArizona’s Pac-12 title pursuit

TEMPE – Amid high stakes and fierce rivalry, the 97th Territorial Cup between ASU and UArizona looms large. ASU seeks redemption in a challenging season, facing the Wildcats’ resurgence in a bid for Pac-12 contention. With ESPN's spotlight and national viewership, the duel promises intensity and pride in this iconic clash.


‘Weird’ and exciting: Emotions, memories flow as ASU basketball prepares to move to Big 12 after 46 years in the Pac-12

TEMPE – With Arizona State moving to the Big 12, many around the program reflect on the past and consider what the future could look like in a new conference.

Bobby Hurley talking to the media.

From Salpointe Catholic to the NFL: Arizona’s own Bijan Robinson returns for homecoming matchup against Cardinals

GLENDALE – Bijan Robinson, born and raised in Tucson, is set to return to his home state as a professional athlete for the first time with the Atlanta Falcons. From his high school days at Salpointe Catholic High School to becoming a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Robinson’s journey as a rookie has come full circle in his return home.

As Salpointe Catholic alum Bijan Robinson readies to face the Cardinals, his football journey comes full circle in his return to Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Falcons)

March Toughness? Wildcats aim at final Pac-12 title, deep NCAA tournament run in Tommy Lloyd’s third season

LAS VEGAS – Toughened by a crushing NCAA Tournament loss, Arizona’s men's basketball team is aiming to defend its Pac-12 Tournament championship and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

U of A Head Coach Tommy Lloyd

Poor birds: Eerie similarities between 2001 and 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks provide extra layers of World Series intrigue

PHOENIX – From game schedules mirroring the 2001 World Series games to uncanny parallels in their playoff runs, the Arizona Diamondbacks' journey this season seemed destined to echo their legendary past.

Diamondbacks players 22 years apart celebrating together.

‘I’m still the Slim Reaper’: Kevin Durant inspires new era of excellence for Phoenix Suns as leader of Big Three

PHOENIX – As the NBA season approaches, Kevin Durant finds himself in a winning position once again, alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. But this isn’t his first time – and he’s prepared to manage the expectations.

Kevin Durant's relentless pursuit of excellence and his impact on the team's preparation are making a definitive difference in the Phoenix Suns' preparation for the 2023-24 NBA season. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Why fans attending NLCS Game 3 will pay more for beer than tickets

PHOENIX – Following the Diamondbacks’ shutout loss in Philadelphia, ticket prices for Game 3 of the NLCS have nosedived to $5 for the cheapest ticket at Chase Field. This drastic change has raised questions about the price drop.

Walkway to ticket will call outside of Chase Field.

Consistency is key: ASU’s steady goal drives success as men’s basketball season looms

LAS VEGAS – Coming off an appearance in the NCAA tournament and with the addition of nine new players, ASU’s key to being successful this season is being consistent.

Bobby Hurley talking to media.

Culture change: Mat Ishbia invests $100 million in new practice facility for Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia has committed $100 million to build a 123,000-square-foot headquarters and a practice facility in downtown Phoenix, exclusively for the Mercury. This significant investment aims to revolutionize basketball culture for the Phoenix basketball teams.

Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Suns and Mercury, has announced a groundbreaking $100 million commitment to construct a 123,000-square-foot practice facility in downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

What is it like to be at the epicenter of college football? A weekend in Boulder highlights the Buffaloes’ wild surge

BOULDER – The talk of college football centers around Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Boulder has embraced this new persona and "Prime" mania doesn’t look like it is slowing down any time soon.

Colorado football players huddled together.

Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Wildcats set stage for electric 2023-24 season at Red-Blue Showcase

TUCSON – The annual Red-Blue Showcase offered the Tucson community a first chance to see the 2023-24 Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team. Tommy Lloyd and Co. have a deep and talented squad looking to make a deep run come March.

KJ Lewis leaping over teammate in dunk contest.

‘We’ve got the best team in the league’: New-look Phoenix Suns enter 2023-24 season with big-time expectations

PHOENIX – Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are the centerpiece of a Phoenix Suns team that underwent a dramatic overhaul in the offseason. Despite significant roster changes, the Suns are optimistic about their postseason chances.


A new look: ASU men’s basketball offers hope, including (gasp!) a possible trip to Final Four

TEMPE – Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State men’s basketball team is looking to keep working on chemistry as a new group after returning from Europe. After seeing both sides of the transfer portal, Hurley believes his team is ready to compete.

ASU basketball team huddled together.

From Arizona state high school champion to Fresno State star, Mikey Keene returns home to face Arizona State

TEMPE – Chandler high school standout Mikey Keene makes his collegiate debut back home in Arizona with Fresno State as they take on ASU trying to remain perfect on the season.

Mikey Keene, the former Chandler High standout and UCF quarterback, returns home Saturday with Fresno State to face Arizona State in front of friends, family, peers and past coaches. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Who let the dogs out? Arizona Cardinals defense shows promise

TEMPE – After a tough week one loss to the Washington Commanders, the Arizona Cardinals are looking to their tenacious and promising defense to keep them competitive among offensive struggles.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck speaks Monday during a news conference following Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders. "We got dogs in our room," Gardeck said. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Spoiler alert: ASU football embraces villain role entering new season

TEMPE – After the announcement of ASU's self-imposed one-year ban on the football program, the Sun Devils quickly shifted their emotions to prepare for Thursday's season opener against Southern Utah.

ASU football team runs out on field with Sparky during Spring game

It’s official: ASU will open season with freshman quarterback Rashada

TEMPE – With the start of the Arizona State football season just eight days away, coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed Wednesday that freshman Jaden Rashada would take over as the starting quarterback to open the season.


Double standard: Duo of twins help raise level of play for ASU women’s lacrosse

TEMPE – The ASU women’s lacrosse team has a unique lineup with two sets of identical twins. Gigi and Bella Gaspar and Maddie and McKenna Riley are helping to raise the level of play in Tempe.

Maddie, left, and McKenna Riley have been through a lot together, including rehabbing from a torn ACL. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

What direction should the Cardinals go? Arizona’s best eight options in NFL Draft

PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals, with a restructured front office and in need of a rebuild, face a potentially franchise-altering decision with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A shaved-down current roster for the Cardinals begs the question, trade back and fill more holes or use the pick to select a centerpiece defender to build around?

Caption: The Arizona Cardinals will be on the clock Thursday with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That's if new general manager Monti Ossenfort chooses to stay put in his first draft. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Transfer portal forces reflection, changes for Arizona men’s and women’s basketball programs

TUCSON – After a subpar March Madness performance by the Arizona men’s and women’s basketball programs, it did not take long for players to take advantage of the transfer portal and choose to find a new home for next season.

Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa is among the players the Wildcats are losing to the transfer portal and said on his podcast, “It’s sad to leave Tucson but it is what it is.” (File photo by Wesley Johnson/Cronkite News)

Jonathan Gannon settles in as new Cardinals coach, expects DeAndre Hopkins back

PHOENIX – The Arizona Cardinals' new front office is beginning to build a new roster together with rumors and headlines swirling around the organization. On Tuesday, new coach Jonathan Gannon gave an update on the process.

New Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon shared the latest developments in the organization during Tuesday's NFL owners' meetings at Arizona Biltmore. (Photo by Olivia Eisenhauer/Cronkite News)

George ‘The Sodfather’ Toma sheds light on Super Bowl 57 field issues

GLENDALE – Weeks following the confetti raining down on the Super Bowl 57 champions Kansas City Chiefs, the answer to what caused poor field conditions remained at large. The man who has worked on all 57 Super Bowl fields, ‘The Sodather’ George Toma, stepped out of the shadows to spill on what caused the slippery playing surface.

The State Farm Stadium field for Super Bowl 57 caused slick conditions for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles and forced players to change their cleats mid-game. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

‘It was a tearjerker’: Charity events, fundraising also big part of WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most famous golf events of the year. Largely known for its unique atmosphere, the tournament provides more than just rowdy fans and a one-of a-kind golf spectacle. It also gives back to the community and raises millions of dollars for Arizona charities.

The WM Phoenix Open offers more than “The Greatest Show on Grass” – the golf spectacle raises millions of dollars for Arizona charities. (Photo by Brooklyn Hall/Cronkite News)

Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon makes it clear: The environment is about to change

TEMPE – After a long and grueling process that saw candidates come and go, the Arizona Cardinals have finally hired their new head coach, Jonathan Gannon. The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator has to quickly collect himself and get back to work on trying to reach the Super Bowl with the Cardinals.

Owner Michael Bidwill, left, looks on as new Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon answers a question from the media during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center Thursday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

NFL shines spotlight on local brands and artists ahead of Super Bowl 57

TEMPE – The NFL partnered with four local Arizona brands to design unique Super Bowl 57 merchandise. The final products were put on display at a NFL retail pop-up shop in Tempe for the community to see.

Wednesday's pop-up shop at the Showcase Room in Tempe featured artwork from local artists, clothing and more. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl deals: Affordable events to attend leading up to the big game

PHOENIX – As the average ticket cost for the 2023 Super Bowl reaches $5,000, here are events fans on a budget can attend during the week leading up to the big game.

The Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe's will invite attendees to participate in the "ultimate NFL experience." For $20, fans can kick a field goal and run the 40-yard dash, among other interactive activities, ahead of the big game. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Field of work: State Farm Stadium undergoes final preparations for Super Bowl Sunday

GLENDALE – With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the preparation for the playing surface is in full swing as the grounds crew works around the clock to ensure that the field will look good to the eyes and keep players healthy.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will meet on a playing field made of locally grown, natural grass at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Arizona Cardinals begin front office rebuild with new GM Monti Ossenfort

GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals held an official press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 17 to name Monti Ossenfort as the club’s new general manager. This marks the beginning of a new era for Arizona Cardinals football.

Monti Ossenfort, right, was introduced last week as the new general manager of the Arizona Cardinals. Team owner Michael Bidwill says the GM's first priority will be finding a new head coach after Kliff Kingsbury was fired on Jan. 9. (Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals)