Arizona
From backup quarterback to team captain, Noah Fifita’s leadership has brought Arizona together
When the 2023 Arizona football campaign began last year Jayden de Laura was entering his second season as the starting quarterback, while Noah Fifita was the backup. Fast forward to the Stanford game, de Laura goes down with an injury and Fifita stepped up in his absence. Not only did he step up, Fifita took full reins of the team.
After close losses to Washington and USC, he would lead the Wildcats to seven straight wins, including an Alamo Bowl victory against Oklahoma. Once the offseason hit, Fifita was faced with a similar challenge of bringing his team together after Jedd Fisch left for Washington.
Following Arizona’s hiring of Brent Brennan as head coach, it only took one meeting with him for Fifita to decide to stay. Thereafter, Fifita has only gained momentum as being one of the top quarterbacks in the nation as well as the leader of the Wildcats.
With being named to many preseason awards watch lists, Fifita was ranked 51st by ESPN on its list of top 100 college players. On top of earning rankings and being named to watchlists, he has become popular in the NIL world. Picking up sponsorships with Alerion Aviation, the Tucson International Airport and SuperCuts, it is clear that there is extreme hype around Fifita.
Preseason training camp was one of hard work and fine tuning the little things, which is what got Fifita to be ready when called upon as the backup. Now, he will be leading the team as one of six team captains.
Alongside fellow captains Jonah Savaiinaea, Josh Baker, Jacob Manu, Treydan Stukes, and Gunner Maldonado, Fifita’s leadership is noticed by everyone on the team. Offensive coordinator Dino Babers made it clear that a player such as he is rare to find nowadays.
“He’s not average, the more and more you’re around him you’re just like ‘the guy is special,’ and he needs to be treated as such,” Babers said.
Quarterbacks coach Lyle Moevao gave credit to Fifita for adjusting to new pieces on the offense and the offensive scheme.
“You know the fun thing about Noah is that his mind is always on ‘what’s our plan?’,” Moevao said. “That’s the beauty of working with Noah, he’s always gonna be, you know, one step ahead.”
Being one step ahead goes back to his preparation from last season as a backup, but now going into this season Fifita has to make sure that the entire team is ready to go.
“I think last year it was kind of more about myself and really taking care of what I had to take care of,” he said. “Now this year it is about the team, and kind of having cohesion through all the positions and not just worrying about my responsibilities.”
The nation knows about the Fifita to Tetairoa McMillan connection, but one that is equally important is the center to quarterback connection. Baker’s face lit up earlier this week when asked about his relationship with Fifita.
“It’s been amazing to see a young kid a couple years ago come in with such a professional attitude and such a professional mindset,” Baker said. “Working hard every single day, not missing a beat, able to step up when his name was called, it’s just been amazing to see that.”
Outside of all of the watchlists, rankings, and sponsorships, Fifita knows that in order to be successful, he has to bring the team together as one.
“It’s always about the team,” Fifita said. “That’s the main part and that’s just Coach Brennan, he has referenced that a lot. Coach (Dick) Tomey’s thing is ‘The team, the team, the team.’ so that’s just kind of how we’re built, that’s what we take pride in and if we want to do what we want to do, it’s about the team. About us, not just one individual.”
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After soaking up appreciation from Tucson fans for their Final Four appearance last weekend, the Arizona Wildcats received some statewide love this week.
On Thursday, April 9, the Arizona House of Representatives and state Senate both proclaimed April 9, “Arizona Wildcats Day,” honoring the UA men’s basketball team for its Final Four season.
The Wildcats then attended a UA luncheon in Scottsdale where they met with fans and school officials, all celebrating their 36-win record, Big 12 title and NCAA Tournament achievements.
The Wildcats wore gray UA basketball polo shirts and rode a bus to Phoenix that morning, appearing first on the House of Representatives floor, where they were greeted with cheers and praise from Speaker Steve Montenegro.
“This year’s squad brought the magic back in a way that unified fans across the entire state in just a short period of time,” Montenegro said. “They have represented our university and our state with heart, with discipline and with class, both on and off the court.
“I know that everyone in this chamber, and especially Wildcat fans across Arizona, share my excitement that coach Lloyd and the team is here, and they are here to stay with his vision and the culture that he’s building.”
While saying that “you guys have got a lot more important work to take care of than honoring us,” Tommy Lloyd then thanked the legislators for their support.
“We understand that you guys are truly our biggest supporters, and we know there’s boosters, there’s businesses, all those things involved,” Lloyd said. “We also understand the state of Arizona is behind everything we do, and you guys are truly our biggest donors and our biggest supporters.
“So we thank you for everything. It’s an honor to represent you guys, and you’re right, Steve, this is just the beginning. We look forward to recreating this and doing this again, and without your support, that wouldn’t be possible.”
The Arizona Senate followed with a similar proclamation, noting the Wildcats’ Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, 36 wins and Final Four appearance — and “the national recognition it brings to our state.”
After the Senate proclamation, Senate President Warren Petersen asked Lloyd what the secret was behind why Arizona always had “awesome basketball teams.”
“I think it’s simple, because it’s something that was built before all of us came,” Lloyd said. “Coach (Fred) Snowden, coach (Lute) Olson, these guys did an amazing job building the foundation for a program that became a national program and had a ton of success.
“Coach (Sean) Miller continued to build on it. We’re fortunate for those that came before us, and we have an amazing tradition, history and a legacy.
“And we want to thank you guys, because to be honest with you, the government is our biggest supporter. We’re a state institution, and the investment you make in the University of Arizona allows us to do what we do. So we’re thankful for everyone that gets behind our program and supports it and helps us continue to build on this tradition and legacy.”
Rim shots
– Departing senior guard Jaden Bradley posted a formal thanks to UA coaches, players and fans on social media, announcing he is declaring for the NBA draft (regardless of any potential rule changes that might allow for more eligibility). “This journey has meant everything to me,” Bradley posted. “It (has) been a rollercoaster but I’ve grown, matured, and become a better man because of it.”
– Reports surfaced on April 9 that transferring Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad has canceled a planned visit to Arizona early next week. Three 247 staffers have posted predictions that he would pick Louisville, where he was scheduled to visit this weekend.
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Diana Taurasi, the iconic Phoenix Mercury player who spent her entire 20-year WNBA career with the team, was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame on April 9. Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and six-time Olympic gold medalist, was celebrated for her immense impact on the Mercury and women’s basketball in Arizona.
Why it matters
Taurasi’s induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to her unparalleled achievements and legacy with the Phoenix Mercury. As one of the greatest players in WNBA history, her selection highlights the Mercury’s status as a premier franchise and the growth of women’s professional sports in the state.
The details
Taurasi was drafted by the Mercury as the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 and went on to lead the team to three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. She was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2009 and 2014, and WNBA MVP in 2009. Outside of the Mercury, Taurasi represented the U.S. national team, winning six Olympic gold medals, the most of any U.S. basketball player.
- Taurasi was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame on April 9, 2026.
- Taurasi will be inducted into the Mercury’s Ring of Honor on August 16, 2026.
The players
Diana Taurasi
A legendary WNBA player who spent her entire 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury, leading the team to three championships and winning six Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team.
Penny Taylor
Taurasi’s wife and former teammate on the Phoenix Mercury.
Jerry Colangelo
The former owner of the Phoenix Mercury who Taurasi credits for setting the team on a path to success and longevity.
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What they’re saying
“It’s just incredible. Being here for 20 years now, it’s home. Thinking back on all the things we’ve accomplished when we came in 2004, winning championships, making sure that the Phoenix Mercury were the gold standard in the WNBA.”
— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player
“It’s the fans who did it all. We have the most loyal and amazing fans of all time. The X-Factor was always there. No matter what kind of season we were having, they were always there supporting us and building that community. It’s definitely a treat.”
— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player
“He kind of set the path to the winning, to the longevity in being here because he’s that type of guy.”
— Diana Taurasi, WNBA Player
What’s next
Taurasi will be inducted into the Phoenix Mercury’s Ring of Honor on August 16, 2026, joining other franchise legends.
The takeaway
Diana Taurasi’s induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame solidifies her status as one of the greatest players in WNBA history and a true icon of women’s basketball in the state. Her two-decade tenure with the Mercury, three championships, and six Olympic gold medals have cemented her legacy as a transformative figure who helped elevate the sport to new heights.
Arizona
Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, April 9
The Arizona Diamondbacks (6-6), tied for second in the NL West, face the New York Mets (7-5), tied for second in the NL East, with the Mets favored at -160 odds. The starting pitchers are Eduardo Rodriguez for Arizona (0.00 ERA), and Nolan McLean for New York, with a 2.61 ERA. The over/under is set at 7 runs.
How to Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets
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Time: 7:10 p.m. ET / 4:10 p.m. PT
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Where: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, NY
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TV Channels: SNY, Dbacks.TV, MLB Network
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Team records
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Arizona Diamondbacks: 6-6 (tied for second in NL West)
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New York Mets: 7-5 (tied for second in NL East)
Odds (via BetMGM)
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Spread: New York Mets -1.5
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Moneyline: New York Mets -160 (59.1%) / Arizona Diamondbacks +135 (40.9%)
Starting pitchers
Arizona Diamondbacks: Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0; ERA: 0.00; K: 8; WHIP: 0.92)
New York Mets: Nolan McLean (1-0; ERA: 2.61; K: 12; WHIP: 0.87)
Weather: 44°F at first pitch
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