FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Phoenix Suns have arrived at Northern Arizona University. The Suns held their first practice of their week-long training camp at NAU Tuesday morning in the Rolle Activity Center in what was a spirited session. The Suns will continue to hold training camp on the Mountain Campus through this Saturday, Oct. 3.

Northern Arizona University is hosting the Phoenix Suns Training Camp for the third consecutive year and the 19th year overall. The Suns returned to Flagstaff in 2013 after a nine-year absence and continue to reap the benefits of training at 7,000 feet.

"It's always great to get away from home because the guys can really bond as a group," said Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornecek. "It's all about basketball. They get tired at 7,000 feet, but what you see is the mental side and we love to see that as coaches. It's tough for the guys when we're up here, but it's a breath of fresh air for them when we get back to Phoenix. When they get out of elevation they feel they're in great shape."

The Suns' first trip to Flagstaff for training camp was in 1986, which also happened to be the first training camp that Hornecek went through as a player. As the team prepares for their 48th NBA season beginning with their preseason opener next Wednesday, Oct. 7, one of the newest Suns – Tyson Chandler – experienced Flagstaff's elevation and the cooler mountain climate for the first time on Tuesday.

"It was a struggle at the beginning and I felt the difference right away," Chandler said. "I was tired after warmup, but then my lungs started to get adjusted to it. It will be really beneficial though. We've had team meetings and we came straight to the gym this morning, but (Flagstaff) has been really great. Coming up here, the weather is a little cooler so it's nice to get away from 108 (degrees)."

The Suns' training camp will continue through Saturday before they make their way back down to Phoenix.