Summer Playcation: Updates on Michigan teams on foreign trips
August 21, 2012 in Division I, Division III
Several college basketball players in Michigan got the opportunity to spend some time in foreign countries and play abroad this summer. Here are some updates on those trips:
Western Michigan defeated Basket Fondi, an Italian team, 87-78, on Monday. The team plays Stella Azzura on Wednesday. WMU freshman Jared Klein and senior Dan Loney have blogged about the trip for Western’s website. From Klein:
“I like the language barrier; it makes it interesting to find new ways to communicate. Luckily, most of the people can speak a little English, or at least enough that we can find some common ground and get around.”
From Loney:
“The Colosseum was incredible! I’ve seen the movie “Gladiator” but didn’t realize how big it was, or the amount of work it would take to build such a great arena. Coach Hawkins pointed out how flat and level the building was, and how perfectly round off it was, despite the fact it was built without any major equipment. That’s pretty amazing to me, how human hands could do that on their own.”
Central Michigan went 3-0 in its exhibition series in the Bahamas, scoring 100 or more points each game. From coach Keno Davis:
“We have learned quite a bit about our young team this summer,” Davis remarked following the win. “The practice time along with the game experience should help us as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Albion College is also blogging about its experiences in Italy, including different swimwear culture:
It was quite the view from the beach. There were mountains in the backdrop. We’ve never seen such a beautiful view. But then again we have never seen so many dudes in Speedos either. It was much different than the beaches back home.
Chris Jenkins, a UD-Jesuit grad, is also playing in Europe right now with his University of Colorado teammates.