Basketball history shines bright in Arizona with the Valley Suns, the Phoenix Suns’ G League affiliate—making their debut as the first G League team to call the Valley home. Previously, the Suns’ affiliate played in Prescott Valley before relocating to Detroit. Now, with games at ASU’s Mullett Arena, the Valley Suns usher in a new era of basketball excellence and community connection.
The G League, the NBA’s official minor league, is more than just a developmental program—it’s a stepping stone for players, coaches, and staff aiming for the big leagues.
The Valley Suns seamlessly align with the Phoenix Suns’ core values: playing fast, together, and unselfishly. This integration extends to player movement, with the Valley Suns serving as a proving ground for talent. Players like Jalen Bridges, TyTy Washington Jr., and Collin Gillespie signed to two-way contracts, splitting their time between the Valley Suns and the Phoenix Suns.
Since its 2017 introduction, the two-way contract allows NBA teams to sign up to three players who spend most of the season in the G League while playing up to 50 games with their NBA team. It’s a crucial tool for fostering young talent and ensuring readiness for the NBA stage.
Valuing community, accessibility and a family-friendly atmosphere, Valley Suns tickets start at $15 with autograph opportunities at home games. And surely, no team is complete without a mascot, and the Valley Suns’ Ray is here to stay. Born from the Sun itself, Ray embodies the Valley Suns’ vibrant energy. With BFFs like Scorch (Phoenix Mercury) and The Gorilla (Phoenix Suns), Ray is a symbol of the team’s connection to the Suns family. Ray even dished some deets to us here at Paradise Valley City Lifestyle, sharing the following:
Favorite Song: "Pocketful of Sunshine" by Natasha Bedingfield
Favorite TV Show: Everybody Loves Raymond
Earth Landing: October 28, 2024
While it's tough to beat our interview with Ray, we also scored an exclusive one-on-one with Phoenix Suns forward Jalen Bridges who just so happens to also play in the G League. Here's what the up-and-coming Suns star is saying about life in AZ.
How does it feel joining the G League team in its first season?
It’s awesome. I have a chance to be part of history and look forward to taking on the rest of the season full steam ahead.
What was it like stepping onto the court as a Phoenix Sun for the first time?
Amazing. It’s the first step of a very long journey, God-willing. Just being out there with the guys was surreal.
Did you always have big dreams of playing basketball?
Even as a kid growing up in West Virginia, I've always wanted to play for the NBA. It probably wasn’t realistic until I was 15 or 16 years old and started getting Division I offers. That’s when it hit me that I could do something with this.
There’s not many people that come from where I come from that make it to this level. That constant self-belief, putting your head down and grinding… you’d be surprised where you look up and find yourself.
Word on the street is Kevin Durant’s your favorite player... What’s it like sharing the court with him?
It’s crazy… totally full circle. Just getting to see him up close, how he works, how he approaches the game and learning by observation is really special.
What has the transition been like from college to pro?
It’s been interesting. Guys are definitely stronger. The speed of the game is way faster and the ball doesn’t stick compared to college. It’s been a little adjustment, but I’ve been able to get my feet under me.
You're already buzzing on social media as being a favored Valley Sun... what's that like?
It’s awesome. The Valley fans bring the energy and I’m excited for the rest of the season.
What advice would you give to younger players trying to make it big?
Control what you can. What you put in determines what you get out. Believe in yourself.
What are you loving about living in Arizona?
Getting here in the middle of the summer at 115 degrees was a little rough, but fast forward to now... what more could you want? It’s perfect.
Most memorable basketball moment...
We had the backyard brawl my redshirt sophomore year; West Virginia versus Pitt. I opened the second half with a poster dunk. That was probably one of the most memorable moments of my career.
What are some of your long-term goals in basketball, and how does the G League fit into that vision?
I want to stay around and make an impact on winning as long as I can. I feel like the G League will help me get reps and accustomed to the NBA style.
If you could play one-on-one with anyone, who would it be?
Michael Jordan. He’s one of the best to ever do it and I want to see where I stack up. I don’t know how that would go, though.
Hobbies outside basketball?
I like playing video games, especially Call of Duty. I like to fish, hang out with my fiancé, my dog and my two cats, and watch TV.
Speaking of your fiancé, we heard you met your soon-to-be wife on the court...
Yes, she was a walk-on on the women’s team at West Virginia. That was the first time we crossed paths. I didn’t think anything would ever come from it. One athlete dating a normal person, especially during the season, is hectic enough; two athletes just wouldn’t work. Lucky for me, she left the team. Fast forward two months, I was at dinner after one of my games with my family and when we were going to our seats, she was already sitting at a table and mumbled under her breath, “Who’s that? He’s kind of cute.” My mom kind of threw me a lob and was like, “he’s single, too.” Ever since, it’s been going strong and we both love living in Arizona.
Pre-game rituals?
Gotta have a nap.
Any resolutions for the new year?
Eat more vegetables.
IG @bigbucketjb, @gleaguesuns