Latest from Shirell Washington
Minimum salaries, max effort: The unseen financial hardships of Phoenix Mercury and WNBA players
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Liz Dixon and Natasha Mack shed light on the hardships of living on a WNBA minimum salary while financial expert Marcus Johnson provides insight on the contract’s value in Phoenix.
Mercury forward Rebecca Allen’s past trials offer hope after Olympics injury
PHOENIX – Australia continues its Olympics journey without star Rebecca Allen due to a hamstring injury. Despite the setback, past trials provide hope that the Phoenix Mercury forward will bounce back stronger.
Breakout summer: Former ASU guard Josh Christopher named NBA Summer League MVP
LAS VEGAS — Josh Christopher, former ASU guard, was named MVP of the NBA Summer League after leading the Miami Heat to the championship. The young guard made headlines with his incredible performance in Las Vegas.
Phoenix Suns showcase newest pieces during successful NBA 2K25 Summer League run in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Phoenix Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro, two-way signee Jalen Bridges and forward David Roddy played crucial roles for the team during this year’s NBA 2K25 Summer League.
Phoenix Suns newcomers Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn set to shine in NBA 2K25 Summer League
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns announced their 2024 NBA 2K25 Summer League roster, featuring rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. The team will open Saturday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas.
‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX – Oso Ighodaro is a 6-foot-10 center who recognizes life is bigger than himself. The newest Suns member recalled moments and people that influenced him to dedicate his life to others through selfless leadership and service. He hopes to bring the same attitude to the Suns.
ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosts second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event for local kids
TEMPE – ASU running back DeCarlos Brooks hosted his second annual Cutback Giveback Haircut Event at the Arizona Barber Academy in Tempe, providing free haircuts and fun activities for local children as a way to give back to his community.
Dynamic duo: Twin sons of NBA veteran Matt Barnes impress as Section 7 standouts with teamwork, talent
GLENDALE – Carter and Isaiah Barnes, leveraging lessons from their NBA father, excelled at the Section 7 Basketball Tournament for Crespi High School.
Family, legacy and leadership: Nate Tibbetts makes mark in WNBA debut season with Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Many criticized the Phoenix Mercury for hiring Nate Tibbetts, who had no prior experience coaching in the WNBA. However, the South Dakota native is building a “family atmosphere” thanks to inspiration from his family, coaches and players.
From North Philly to Paris: Kahleah Copper’s road to 2024 Olympics a journey of tears, setbacks and success
PHOENIX – Mercury guard Kahleah Copper was selected to the Olympic roster for the first time. The trials she endured leading up to receiving the call makes her appreciate this achievement much more.
All eyes on Marvin Harrison Jr. as Arizona Cardinals kick off minicamp
TEMPE – As the Cardinals’ offseason winds down, the excitement for the arrival of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has continued to rise.
‘Voice for the voiceless’: Natasha Cloud, Phoenix Mercury use platform to raise gun safety awareness
PHOENIX — At a Moms Demand Action event in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the Mercury's Natasha Cloud and members of her team heard emotional stories from gun violence survivors, reinforcing their commitment to advocating for gun reform.
‘I feel free’: Natasha Cloud embraces fresh start, purpose with Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX – Natasha Cloud was born in Philadelphia and spent her entire WNBA career with the Washington Mystics. Now, one of the league's best passers has found a home on the West Coast. But accepting that she’d be leaving D.C. wasn’t easy.
Magic Johnson pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s ASU speech with inspiring address, $75,000 donation
PHOENIX – To honor the 60-year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at Arizona State, the school held its first “Building History: Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr” event. Keynote speaker Magic Johnson shared how King’s legacy has impacted his generosity.
Honoring heritage: Mercury’s Diana Taurasi pays homage to roots on Dia Latina amid skid-snapping win
PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi discusses growing up in a Latina household, how that shaped her loyalty to Phoenix and how the Valley’s strong Hispanic population has led to her long list of successes.
Despite first home loss, Phoenix Mercury remain confident as they embark on road trip
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury suffered their first home loss of the season to the Dallas Wings, but they move forward expectantly and encouraged entering their first extended road trip of the season.
A Pac of goodbyes: ASU baseball loss likely means end of conference era
SCOTTSDALE – Emotions filled Scottsdale Stadium after Arizona State’s loss to Oregon State in the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament. Coaches and fans mourned the end of the Pac-12 era.
ASU’s chances for NCAA baseball tournament bid suffers blow after Stanford loss
SCOTTSDALE – A late rally by Arizona State was not enough Tuesday in the Pac-12 Baseball Tournament. The Sun Devils fell 8-7 and are poised to miss their third straight NCAA Tournament.
