Now that the Cardinals’ season is over, Arizona sports fans don’t have anything to look forward to until August, right?

Wrong! In fact, because most of us aren’t used to watching the Cardinals play in January, this time of year is often the most exciting.

The Phoenix Suns haven’t been playing up to par the past few weeks and have had trouble closing out games on the road this season. But the boys from the desert have strung two road victories in a row and face the second place Denver Nuggets tonight for a heat check. Amare Stoudemire, who has been in the middle of trade talks prior to the last three trade deadlines, is playing out of his mind in the past week, including 36 points and 11 rebounds against the Houston Rockets.

College basketball has also had its success in the state the past few weeks. NAU has won four of last five conference games, climbing from the bottom of the Big Sky standings into the 4th spot. UA and ASU have also been representing the PAC-10 Conference well as they currently sit first and third in the conference respectively. The Wildcats have won four games in a row in their run for the top seed and the Sun Devils (although obviously the inferior team in the state) is still making a strong case for themselves in the PAC-10.

So, even though football season ends this Sunday in Miami (Geaux Saints!), just remember that basketball season is in full swing. And right now in Arizona, it couldn’t be more exciting.