Latest from Christian Babcock
Masked men, disinfected gym give high school basketball game in Ahwatukee unique feel
PHOENIX – 6A state title favorite Mountain Pointe and central region rival Corona del Sol matched up under a bizarre set of circumstances thanks to COVID-19.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU builds for 2021 as line play shows program’s growth
PHOENIX – The improvement along both lines is a big reason ASU is positioned for a big 2021 season. Plus, why Zak Hill’s offense is already a success.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: ASU rout in Territorial Cup reflects state of program
PHOENIX – Arizona State’s rout in Territorial Cup shows why ASU made the right decision when it thought outside the box and plucked Herm Edwards from ESPN.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: Reflecting on late game turnovers, future recruits
PHOENIX – Late-game turnovers doomed the Arizona State football team in its loss to UCLA, but the Sun Devils were encouraged by the progress shown in the second half.
‘So glad to be back’: Herm Edwards reflects on isolation after ASU cancels 3rd game
PHOENIX - Arizona State canceled its game against Utah, but expressed optimism that it could play Dec. 2 against UCLA. Coach Herm Edwards also shared his experience fighting COVID-19 in isolation.
Delay of games: Back-to-back cancellations leave ASU football on uncertain path
TEMPE – After canceling its second straight game, ASU football's path to the postseason is in question. However, when the Sun Devils return to the field, there still might be a route to the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Monday Morning Sun Devil: USC finish shows ASU how much work it has to do
PHOENIX – Although Arizona State controlled most of its opening game with USC, an inability to execute down the stretch doomed the Sun Devils.
Pac-12 players want parents to attend games, share petition aimed at government officials
Despite doubt that fans would attend Pac-12 football games in 2020, some conference players and parents are petitioning state and local officials to allow them to see their sons play.
Cardinals own mistakes, but remain confident in playoff chances
PHOENIX - The Cardinals took responsibility for their loss to the Detroit Lions, but expressed confidence that they could bounce back and contend for the NFC West crown.
Diamondbacks’ day of trades including fun-loving, beard-wearing Archie Bradley
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks shake up franchise, trade away Archie Bradley and Robbie Ray.
Diamondbacks, Mercury postpone games in reaction to Blake shooting; Councilman DiCiccio rips NBA
PHOENIX – The shooting of Jacob Blake led to protests around the country, including Arizona, where the Mercury and Cardinals postponed events.
Testing increases, demand and result times inconsistent
PHOENIX – State leaders say schools have flexibility as academic year approaches, bars to sue after Ducey extends closure and more headlines from around the Grand Canyon State.
Northern Arizona Suns leaving Prescott Valley? Not so fast
PHOENIX – Despite a press release stating their intent to leave, the Northern Arizona Suns have not yet made a decision on whether to move from Prescott Valley for the 2020-21 season.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Suns energized; Coyotes await games with no fans
PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams likes team’s energy, while Coyotes try to imagine games with no fans.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Booker misses his dog, Ray a workhorse, Bidwill out of hospital
PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns adjust to life in the bubble. Some Diamondbacks players stayed in Arizona during break. Michael Bidwill released from hospital.
Coronavirus sports roundup: Pac-12 opts for conference-only games, ASU won’t release test results
PHOENIX – The Pac-12 is expected to announce a conference-only schedule. Meanwhile, Arizona State opts not to release COVID-19 test results.
Northern Arizona Suns decide to leave Prescott Valley for Phoenix area
PHOENIX – Citing economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NAZ Suns announced they will leave Prescott Valley for a location closer to the Valley.
Arizona’s top football recruits continue to leave state for college
PHOENIX – ASU and UA have 15 combined players committed in the class of 2021. None of them are from Arizona. Why are the state’s top players going out of state for college?
Diamondbacks’ Mike Leake first MLB player to opt out of season amid pandemic
PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake became the first known Major League Baseball player to opt out of the season, general manager Mike Hazen said Monday.
Recruiting in coronavirus era: Arizona football prospects still committing to Division I programs
PHOENIX – Despite visiting campuses few times if at all in some cases, class of 2021 prospects are committing at record rates. Here’s why three from Arizona high schools decided to join them.
College arms, bloodlines tell the story for Diamondbacks in MLB draft
PHOENIX- After losing rotation piece Taijuan Walker and acquiring All-Star Madison Bumgarner, the Diamondbacks opted to supplement their pitching stock in the draft.
Remote control: Even away from players, Pac-12 football coaches try to stay on track for season
PHOENIX – Separate physically but not socially, Pac-12 coaches have remained engaged with their players virtually as they plan for a football season with many question marks.