The University of Washington men's basketball team appears poised to make it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in seven years. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about the team's winning season so far.

The best players and moments in Washington sports from 2018 were honored Thursday night in Seattle. The annual Sports Star of the Year awards were presented. Among the winners: KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel. He received the Keith Jackson Award for excellence in communicating the sports stories of our state. Thiel talked with KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about the awards. He also offered some interesting facts about sports fans in Washington.

The controversy continues to swirl around former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and his possible run for president as an independent. Protestors turned out Thursday night for Schultz's Seattle stop on his book tour. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel told Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick that Schultz shouldn't run — based on how he ran the Seattle Supersonics.

If you're a fan of retired Mariner Edgar Martinez, you know about "The Double." You know about his loyalty to Seattle. And you know about his long wait to get into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. But there is still a lot to learn about the humble player who found out this week that he's finally making it to Cooperstown. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about some lesser-known facts about one of Seattle's biggest sports heroes.

A state House committee will hold a public hearing next week on a bill to allow college athletes to receive compensation. The athletes wouldn't be paid a salary but would be able to benefit from the marketing of their talents. The bill has been proposed by Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn). KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked about the legislation — and the bigger issue it addresses — with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

Despite losing a wild-card playoff game that many thought was winnable, there still is a lot of optimism for the Seahawks to come back strong next season. It's the topic of this week's conversation between KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel and Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

The Seahawks take on the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Saturday night in the NFC wild-card playoff game. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about the matchup.

The University of Washington football team is preparing for a big game on New Year's Day. They play Ohio State in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel previewed the matchup with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel is out with his top five Seattle sports stories of 2018. He counted them down with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

The Mariners' troubled offseason continues. The team made another trade this week and signed a controversial new lease agreement. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel and talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about some of the recent negative headlines.