SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Cody Ulmhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2013-01-06T20:41:16-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/cody-ulm/rss2013-01-06T20:41:16-07:002013-01-06T20:41:16-07:00Suns go cold on the court in 92-81 loss to Memphis
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<p>For the second consecutive game, buckets were hard to come by for the Phoenix Suns.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> struggled to get their offense going for the second consecutive game Sunday, falling to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> 92-81 at US Airways Center.</p>
<p>P.J. Tucker surprisingly led the way for Phoenix, contributing a team-high 17 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Beyond Tucker, only Marcin Gortat (12 points, 6-of-14 shooting) was able to break double digits. On the other end, Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay were reliable as always for Memphis, combining for 41 points on 18-of-29 shooting.</p>
<p>The Grizzlies' defense was simply suffocating Sunday, holding the Suns to 39.2% (31-of-79) shooting from the floor and 35.7% (5-of-14) from beyond the arc. Luis Scola (3-of-12 shooting, four turnovers) and Goran Dragic (4-of-9 shooting, four turnovers) looked particularly lost and were never consistently able to get anything going on all night.</p>
<p>With the defeat, the Suns fall to 12-23 on the season and have now dropped eight of their last nine. Looking ahead, Phoenix will get a four game road trip started with a Tuesday visit to Milwaukee.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2013/1/6/3844858/phoenix-suns-memphis-grizzlies-final-score-nbaCody Ulm2013-01-04T17:44:05-07:002013-01-04T17:44:05-07:00Arizona Cardinals players wait out hiring process
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<p>For Arizona Cardinals players left wondering who will be their next leader, there's only one thing to do: wait. </p> <p>Most of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> roster has played under only one coach in their time in Arizona so this hazy, in-between-coaches thing has created an unfamiliar feeling throughout the clubhouse.</p>
<p>Center <span>Lyle Sendlein</span> told <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Players-Wait-To-See/903f5ce8-67d8-43e9-be24-71fb0a4d8b90">John Weinfuss of AZCardinals.com</a> that it's an "emotionally strange" period for everyone and describes it as a combination of "worry" and "excitement." As Weinfuss points out, Ken Whisenhunt is the only head coach Sendlein has ever known in his professional career as he was the man who drafted him back in 2007.</p>
<p>Same goes to offensive lineman <span>Nate Potter</span>, who played under only one coach throughout his tenure at Boise State and learned how to be a pro from his Whisenhunt regime rookie season this past year. Potter shared with Weinfuss that he doesn't follow the replacement rumors too closely and he believes most of the team tends to "go about [their] business and try to take care of what [they] can take care of."</p>
<p>To read more quotes from the Cardinals currently in limbo, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Players-Wait-To-See/903f5ce8-67d8-43e9-be24-71fb0a4d8b90">read Weinfuss' story in it's entirety. </a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2013/1/4/3837526/arizona-cardinals-head-coach-andy-reidCody Ulm2013-01-04T17:04:26-07:002013-01-04T17:04:26-07:00Suns sticking at home to face Jazz, Grizzlies
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<p>The Phoenix Suns will have a chance for their 2000th franchise victory this weekend against the Jazz and Grizzlies. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> (12-21) will round out their homestand this weekend with matchups against the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> and <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> as they look for their 2,000th victory in the history of the franchise.</p>
<p>Up first on Friday is a Jazz team that Phoenix already defeated at home earlier this season, 99-84. Utah has struggled since that time, dropping six of nine games, but did manage to get back on track earlier this week with a 106-84 victory over the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>. They were also able to handle their business against Phoenix in Utah back on Nov. 10 so it's not as if beating the Suns has been a foreign concept for the Jazz this season.</p>
<p>Two days later, the Suns are schedule to take the court again to face the Grizzlies. Memphis currently has the fourth- best record in the Western Conference this season but Phoenix was actually able to pull off an 82-80 upset on Dec. 12. That feat will be difficult to duplicate, though, as the Grizzles have been shutting the opposition down this season for a NBA-best defense that's only allowing 89.8 PPG.</p>
<p>Check back with SB Nation Arizona throughout the weekend for continued Suns updates.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2013/1/4/3837396/nba-schedule-2013-phoenix-sunsCody Ulm2013-01-04T15:42:45-07:002013-01-04T15:42:45-07:00Chiefs 'beat' Cardinals to Reid, says John Clayton
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<figcaption>Brian Bahr</figcaption>
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<p>Looks like the timing of his interviews played a huge part in Andy Reid becoming the Chiefs next head coach. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> haven't been known for winning much lately but <a target="_blank" href="http://arizonasports.com/40/1599231/ESPN-insider-Cardinals-just-got-beat-by-Chiefs">ESPN NFL insider John Clayton told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Thursday</a> that they definitely "beat" the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> when it comes to Andy Reid.</p>
<p>Clayton was also quick to counter those who claim that Reid was simply using the Cardinals as a leverage ploy, sharing that he believes Big Red legitimately planned to come to Arizona for his interview. At least, that was before the Chiefs did everything in their power to ensure he'd be their next head coach.</p>
<p>Clayton went on to add that he believes Reid will be given more freedom in Kansas City and should have more control over personnel decisions then he would have with the Cardinals. So in the end, it just appears that the Chiefs were playing with more ammunition than Arizona was willing to offer. And it certainly didn't help that he stopped in Kansas City first.</p>
<p>To listen to the intriguing interview in it's entirety, <a target="_blank" href="http://arizonasports.com/40/1599231/ESPN-insider-Cardinals-just-got-beat-by-Chiefs">head on over to Arizona Sports. </a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2013/1/4/3837086/andy-reid-chiefs-cardinalsCody Ulm2013-01-04T15:21:13-07:002013-01-04T15:21:13-07:00Cain Velasquez could have played football at ASU
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<p>Cain Velasquez was closer to playing on the gridiron of Sun Devil Stadium than most realize.</p> <p>Before he was the UFC heavyweight title winner, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122504/cain-velasquez" class="sbn-auto-link">Cain Velasquez</a> had an opportunity to play linebacker for Arizona State, <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Finsiders%2Fodomingo%2F2013%2F01%2F03%2Fcain-velasquez-ufc-heavyweight-champion-could-have-been-linebacker-at-oregon-or-arizona-state%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farizona.sbnation.com%2Farizonast-ncaaf%2F2013%2F1%2F4%2F3836878%2Fcain-velazquez-ufc-arizona-state-football" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">according to Odeen Domingo of the Arizona Republic. </a></p>
<p>Instead, he turned down the Devils' scholarship offer to pursue his dream of wrestling. Velasquez explained his reasoning behind his decision in his recent interview with the Republic:</p>
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<p>"I was being recruited for both (football and wrestling) in high school by big schools and everything...To me, I knew I would be a better wrestler in college. I think that was it. My body size and everything was perfect for being a heavyweight wrestler rather than being a linebacker."</p>
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<p>Of course, Velasquez still ended up a Sun Devil, wrestling for two years at Arizona State while becoming a two-time All-American in the process. Still, those ASU fans who have seen Velasquez's work in the octagon are probably pretty disappointed he never decided to give football a shot.</p>
<p>Even more intriguing is that if Velasquez came directly to ASU to play football instead of attending Iowa Central Community College for a year, he could have potentially worked along side Sun Devil legend <span>Terrell Suggs</span>. How's that for an intimidating linebacking unit?</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaaf/2013/1/4/3836878/cain-velazquez-ufc-arizona-state-footballCody Ulm2013-01-04T14:52:55-07:002013-01-04T14:52:55-07:00Santonio Holmes Super Bowl catch voted top picture
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<figcaption>Karl Walter</figcaption>
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<p>Don't worry, we decided to put up a picture of angry Ken Whisenhunt instead of making you guys rehash that terrible catch.</p> <p>Much to the dismay of jaded Cardinal fans everywhere, <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/100greatestphotos/#13" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated recently voted</a> the <span>Santonio Holmes</span>' Super Bowl winning touchdown catch as one of the 100 all-time greatest sports photos.</p>
<p>To protect the sensitive eyes of Arizonians, we will not be posting this graphic photo of defeat on this page but feel free to follow<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/100greatestphotos/#13" target="_blank"> the link</a> to see it for yourself.</p>
<p>From an artistic standpoint, the photo taken by SI's John Biever is pretty aesthetically pleasing. There are about 100 pairs of eyes fixated on Holmes' acrobatic catch, almost making it feel like time itself stopped for that very moment.</p>
<p>But as those conspiracy theorists will point out, it does seem that Holmes' right foot isn't touching the ground as his momentum carries him out of bounds. </p>
<p>That's neither here nor there though. To view this incredible collection of photos in it's entirety, head on over to <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/100greatestphotos/#grid" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated's incredible photo index. </a>Trust me, it's well worth your time. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2013/1/4/3836720/santonio-holmes-super-bowl-catchCody Ulm2013-01-04T13:58:09-07:002013-01-04T13:58:09-07:00Jaworski believes Todd Haley deserves another shot
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>At least Todd Haley knows Ron Jaworski is a fan of his work.</p> <p>Even after watching Todd Haley crash and burn in Kansas City,<a href="http://arizonasports.com/40/1599212/NFL-analyst-Todd-Haley-deserves-a-second-chance"> ESPN NFL analyst Ron Jaworski told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Thursday</a> that he believes the man deserves a second crack at head coaching.</p>
<p>Here is an excerpt from their Jaws' interview about Haley possibly returning to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> to takeover where Ken Whisenhunt left off:</p>
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<p>"Todd Haley is a very good football coach...I will guarantee you this: he will be better prepared to take his next job."</p>
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<p>Jaworski added that he has a strong belief that head coaches are much better at the job the second time around since "they know the pitfalls of being the guy in charge." </p>
<p>Haley has not yet agreed to interview with the Cardinals after Arizona reached out to the current offensive coordinator of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> about their job opening at the head coach position. Haley was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator for two seasons from 2007-2009 before taking the Chiefs' lead job.</p>
<p>Haley went 19-26 as the head coach of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> before being fired in the middle of the 2011 season. To his credit, Haley did led Kansas City to a 10-6 record in his second season which earned them their first AFC West title since 2003.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-cardinals/2013/1/4/3836570/todd-haley-nfl-coaching-rumors-arizona-cardinalsCody Ulm2013-01-04T13:30:20-07:002013-01-04T13:30:20-07:00Jason Kubel expects to remain a D-back
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<figcaption>Dustin Bradford</figcaption>
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<p>Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel doesn't seem too phased by all the trade talk lately.</p> <p><a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a> outfielder <span>Jason Kubel</span> isn't deaf to all the trade rumors, but he still expects to be in Arizona for the start of next season, <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130103&content_id=40841072&vkey=news_ari&c_id=ari">according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. </a></p>
<p>Here's what he told Gilbert about the possibility of being moved:</p>
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<p>"If something happens, it happens, but I'm looking forward to getting back to that beautiful facility again and start going."</p>
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<p>Despite the posturing, Kubel went on to add that the rumors are a bit "nerve-wracking" before sharing he'd prefer to say a D-back if at all possible.</p>
<p>Still, as most Arizona fans know by now, an outfielder is likely to go following the signing of <span>Cody Ross</span>. And unless GM Kevin Towers gets blown away by a deal for <span>Justin Upton</span>, Kubel seems like the most obvious candidate to be flipped.</p>
<p>As Gilbert points out, Towers already claimed that he doesn't exactly feel forced to make a move after the addition of Ross but with Arizona's payroll sitting at $95 million, a high-priced four-man outfield seems like a bit of luxury.</p>
<p>Kubel had 30 home runs and 90 RBI last season to go along with a .253/.327/.506 line.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2013/1/4/3836498/jason-kubel-arizona-diamondbacks-2013Cody Ulm2013-01-03T12:23:59-07:002013-01-03T12:23:59-07:00Bill Snyder trying to avoid Fiesta Bowl shootout
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<p>Apparently Bill Snyder is trying to limit the Fiesta Bowl's offensive fireworks. What a party-pooper...</p> <p>While most are expecting the Fiesta Bowl to be a track meet, Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder is hoping his Wildcats are able to go a different route.</p>
<p>The keep the ball away from Oregon route.</p>
<p>It's a strategy that many have tried and failed to successfully implement against Oregon over the years but Snyder still knows that's the only way to survive the Ducks' onslaught.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and he'd like to score some points too:</p>
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<p>"...I think what everybody would say, hold onto the ball, keep the ball out of Oregon's hands as much as you can. That's all fine and dandy as long as you can get the ball in the end zone, score, too."</p>
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<p>Sounds easy enough right? Well, while the Wildcats defense has been quite solid this season (21.1 PPG allowed), the Ducks are averaging over 50 points a contest and have been held under 34 points only twice over the past two seasons.</p>
<p>With that in mind, maybe it would just be wiser to try to top the over/under of 76 and outscore those high-flying Ducks. Or at least call up Stanford to figure out how the hell they managed to slow them.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2013/1/3/3832564/fiesta-bowl-2013-bill-snyder-kansas-stateCody Ulm2013-01-03T10:33:19-07:002013-01-03T10:33:19-07:00ASU vs. Utah: Battle of Bachynskis ends up a dud
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<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This edition of brotherly love was a strictly a one-sided affair.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona State</a> earned a thrilling 55-54 victory over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/utah-utes" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Utes</a> to open Pac-12 play at Wells Fargo Arena Wednesday evening.</p>
<p>Lost in all the commotion, though, was the fact that the biggest storyline entering the game turned out to be a total dud.</p>
<p>With <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123172/jordan-bachynski" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Bachynski</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101971/dallin-bachynski" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallin Bachynski</a> both in the middle of solid seasons and set to face off for the first time, many hoped this would be an epic battle of brothers. Well, ASU's Bachynski held up his end of the deal. Little bro? Not so much.</p>
<p>Here's what <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houseofsparky.com/2013/1/2/3830234/asu-basketball-sun-devils-utah-utes-pac-12">House of Sparky's Tyler Nickel </a>had to say about the "Bachynski Brother Battle":</p>
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<p>"...Dallin Bachynski of the Utes got into foul trouble early and Jordan Bachynski was quick to start, but struggled for the remainder of the first half. He began the game with two quick back-to-back buckets, giving ASU a 4-0 lead, but did not score for the rest of the half. Then, in the second half, he scored the first two Sun Devils buckets again and began to start feeling it. Jordan Bachynski finished the game 14 points and 8 rebounds before leaving in the final minute of overtime with some cramping issues."</p>
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<p>Little Bachynski's final line was nearly as memorable, but not in the way he would have hoped. The 7'0" sophomore finished with as many personal fouls (4) as he had points, rebounds and assists combined.</p>
<p>Luckily for Pac-12 fans, this won't be the last time these siblings will meet. Dallin will get another shot to show up on Feb. 13 when the Devils head up to Utah to close out their season series with the Utes.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizonast-ncaab/2013/1/3/3832062/utah-arizona-state-2013-jordan-dallin-bachynskiCody Ulm