Latest from Damian Rios
From Jael Mary to serving youth: Former ASU receiver Jaelen Strong has big plans for Arizona’s young athletes
TEMPE – Jaelen Strong spent two seasons at Arizona State, solidifying his position as one of the great receivers in school history. Now, after a stint in the NFL, Strong has formed 602Era, an athletic and academic organization for young athletes.
Veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed gearing up for healthy return to Diamondbacks
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed is returning for the 2023 MLB season after missing all but 17 games in 2022 due to a shoulder injury. Now recovered, Ahmed, one of the few veteran leaders in the clubhouse, looks to help the Diamondbacks reachr their first postseason appearance since 2017.
Inspired by contract extension, brother’s success, Bobby Hurley believes ASU can be ‘exceptional’
TEMPE – Bobby Hurley signed a two-year extension with the university to continue as the men’s basketball head coach through the 2026 season. The success of his brother, Dan, in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has inspired him.
Casa Grande boxing family hits Las Vegas strip in fight to put Valley on the map
CASA GRANDE – Abel Ramos and his nephew, Jesus Ramos Jr., are professional fighters out of Casa Grande. The boxers will fight on Showtime’s PPV card in Las Vegas this weekend, headlined by Phoenix native David Benavidez.
‘He wants to make amends’: Can Desmond Cambridge Jr. spark ASU in intriguing Pac-12 men’s tournament?
PHOENIX – When Arizona State men’s basketball guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. drained a game-winning half court shot against Arizona, it seemed as if ASU salvaged its March Madness hopes. However, ahead of the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, that shot wasn’t as impactful as expected for either team.
High expectations: Brewers hope to make playoff push beginning with spring training
PHOENIX – With pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic reporting to spring training Monday and position players Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers have high expectations for new additions as well as returning players. However, one thing remains clear: Everyone is excited to be back together in Phoenix.
Paralyzed from waist down, Danny Fik defies odds in wheelchair sports
PHOENIX – After losing the ability to walk at 13 years old, wheelchair basketball and football talent Danny Fik has leaned into sports to help turn around his life and inspire the disabled community following in his path.
Valley’s boxing reputation grows as Emanuel Navarrete defeats Liam Wilson in thrilling scrap
GLENDALE - Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO junior lightweight title with a ninth round TKO of Liam Wilson. This marks the third title fight and fifth major boxing card held in the Valley in the past year.
Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale
GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.
Fight like a Devil: Inside Ryan Bader’s journey from ASU wrestling to Bellator champion
PHOENIX – Ryan Bader is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion and is fighting in the main event of Bellator’s first card on CBS Network. From his hometown of Reno, Nevada, to ASU wrestling to fighting professionally, Bader’s journey has been remarkable.
