Search result for Nick Smith

Math to Madness: Nate Oats’ underdog journey leads Alabama to Men’s Final Four

GLENDALE – Just 11 years ago, Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats was a math teacher and high school basketball coach in Michigan. His underdog approach has fueled the Crimson Tide to the Men’s Final Four.


Kahleah Copper, Natasha Cloud excited for new beginnings with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury made a big splash during the offseason, picking up Natasha Cloud via free agency and Kahleah Copper via trade. The pair is excited to get to work in Phoenix and bring the Mercury back to championship contention in 2024.

From competitors last season to teammates in 2024, Kahleah Copper, left, and Natasha Cloud aim to reposition the Phoenix Mercury atop the WNBA standings after going 9-31 in 2023. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Swinging into spring: Previewing every Cactus League team as countdown to 2024 Opening Day begins

PHOENIX - The Cactus League has started and that leaves many fans eager to learn what’s in store for their team in 2024. As teams prepare to play spring training games, learn what’s new and what to expect from all 15 Cactus League teams.

With anticipation in the air and dreams of World Series glory, the Cactus League sets the stage for the 2024 MLB season. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

Phoenix Mercury’s bold shake-up signals win-now mentality under new regime

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury had one of its worst seasons in franchise history last year, but new leadership has made aggressive moves to get the team back to its winning ways in 2024.


Stars come out, hail comes down: Wild WM Phoenix Open pro-am features appearances by Saban, Phelps

SCOTTSDALE – Although rain, and later hail, interrupted the WM Phoenix Open pro-am, fans still showed up to watch an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Nick Saban.

Olympian Michael Phelps plays golf frequently and was excited to compete again. “I’m a golf nut so being able to watch some of these pros up close is special for me.” (Photo by Alyssa Burato/Cronkite News)

‘It’s been exhausting’: Challenges on, off court for Phoenix Mercury lead to disappointing season

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2012, the WNBA playoffs will be played without the Phoenix Mercury. Finding themselves in uncharted territory, they will have a head start to a busy offseason: impending head coaching search and the WNBA Draft.

Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner Interview

How Flagstaff, a once quaint town, transformed into capital of running world

FLAGSTAFF – For many, Flagstaff is known as the running capital of the world. A look at how it got there and how it helped create one of the best-kept secrets among collegiate sports dynasties: the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team.

Many runners come to Flagstaff for the high-altitude training. Rachel Schneider often ran through Buffalo Park to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

It’s a bird, it’s a plane … it’s a drone! Major League Drone Racing hosts first live preseason race

PEORIA – A new competitive sport is on the rise and it involves flying drones. Major League Drone Racing has entered their 2023 preseason with a race at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday.

A drone flown by the Arizona Desert Hawks whizzes through the air during a preseason training race against the Phoenix Falcons last Saturday at the Peoria Sports Complex. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

On the clock: Countdown to the 2024 Men’s Final Four underway

PHOENIX – With the 2024 Men’s Final Four set to be in Arizona, the countdown for the event begins at Sky Harbor International Airport, early Thursday morning.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, center, flanked by Gov. Katie Hobbs, left, and JoAn Scott, the NCAA’s managing director of men’s basketball championships, shares her excitement about what the 2024 Final Four will mean for the Valley. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Downtown Phoenix businesses see range of Super Bowl crowds, from record-breaking to a snail’s pace

PHOENIX — During a busy week for the Phoenix metro area, business at downtown restaurants was a mixed bag. Some were slammed, and others were nearly empty. Official economic impact numbers have not yet been released, but officials said last week that visitors were out in force and that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport set a single-day passenger record the day after the Super Bowl.


Despite recent struggles, ASU baseball looks to end Men’s College World Series drought

PHOENIX – ASU has one of the more storied programs in all of college baseball, yet the Sun Devils have failed to reach the Men’s College World Series since 2010. Will that trend end this season? The Sun Devils enter Friday’s opener with optimism.

Arizona State baseball coach Willie Bloomquist sounds optimistic about the upcoming season, saying, “I’m sleeping better this time than I was last year at this time.” (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl 57 to be won in the trenches, tried and true

PHOENIX – The Chiefs and Eagles have ranked toward the top of the league in scoring offense all season, but the nature behind the numbers appears to pose a contrast in style and tempo that may impact the kind of game either is most likely to win.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes enter Super Bowl Sunday with high-powered offenses, but the game will be won in the trenches. (Photo by Mitchell Leff and Dylan Buell/Getty Images)