Here for the 20th time, the Phoenix Suns wrapped up a weeklong training camp at Northern Arizona University with a scrimmage on Saturday, Oct. 1.
Students, faculty, staff and the Flagstaff community enjoyed lawn games, the Suns interactive vehicle and giveaways prior to the scrimmage.
Bidding farewell after an all-team autograph session, the Suns headed back to Phoenix to prepare for their first preseason game against San Antonio at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the Talking Stick Resort Arena—kicking off the club’s 48th NBA season.
While in Flagstaff, the team visited a variety of elementary schools—addressing the importance of studying hard, performing skits and passing out swag and high-fives. The Suns also hosted several basketball clinics where 220 kids, ages 6-18, learned how to improve their skills on the court.
At the first of three clinics held throughout the week, NAU President Rita Cheng and Suns broadcaster Tom Leander welcomed families to the Hal Jensen Recreation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28. With the help of Suns alumni Steven Hunter and NAU men’s and women’s basketball players, participants were taught various basketball skills and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There to help pump up the crowd, the Suns Solar Squad, Suns Gorilla and NAU’s Louie the Lumberjack also assisted with the event.
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver visited the Flagstaff campus, stopping by the W.A. Franke College of Business to speak with students.
In addition to the scrimmage and basketball clinics, the Suns made appearances at several local businesses and participated in NAU marketing promotions.