It’s foreign tour season in college basketball. Once every four years, teams get 10 extra practices and a chance to play a handful of games against international competition (though the games are not always competitive).
This summer, 90+ teams are slated to venture overseas, with at least one team hitting six of the seven continents. Italy and Spain are typically the most popular destinations, while others prefer a tropical getaway in the Bahamas or Puerto Rico.
Creighton is heading to the Bahamas in August, home of the their sophomore center Fred King.
Bluejays assistant coach Ryan Miller said, “The Bahamas trip will be nice to take Fred back home to play in front of family.”
Miller added foreign tours are valuable because it allows coaches to build chemistry with their team on and off the court in a relaxed setting.
Tours Should Happen More Often
When asked if the NCAA should allow these tours more frequently, Miller made a great point.
“I think it would be a good idea to let our kids go on foreign tours every two years because players don’t usually stay at one school for the full four years.”
Youngstown State head coach Jerrod Calhoun echoed that sentiment, but took it a step further.
“I think in today’s world foreign trips should happen every summer because of the amount of roster turnover. Foreign trips provide great bonding experiences for new players.”
Calhoun and his team just got back from a weeklong trip to Spain. The Penguins finished 3-0 and made some memories along the way.
Calhoun told me he’s been on four foreign tours, but this year’s trip to Malaga was his favorite so far. His message to his players is to appreciate the value of visiting different places and experiencing different cultures. Teammates come from all over, so teaching them to embrace their differences is important both on and off the court.
In other foreign tour related news, read about how Bruce Pearl is helping Kansas State with their trip to Israel here.
