Michigan Basketball Team to take Europe Trip this Summer
UMHoops reports that we are taking a europe trip like we did before the surprisingly good 2010-2011 season.
To recap, that season was jr novak, jr stu, fr thjr, so darius morris, rs fr morgan as the starters. We made it to the second round of the tourney and nearly took duke to overtime in the tournament.
I think this trip could be very helpful in getting our team prepared and more in synch even if all 3 of the guys leave early for the NBA.
http://www.umhoops.com/2014/04/05/michigan-take-europe-trip-summer-2014…
This is a big deal in my opinion. It's like a mini season before the real season, all against top notch competition (as compared to what they play in college)
absolutely. It's valuable extra practice time that most teams do not take advantage of.
NCAA teams (any sport) are allowed 1 international trip per 4 years and are allowed to compete during these trips.
Volleyball goes to brazil every 4 years I believe.
Last summer, we saw the Penn State team arriving at one of the train stations in London. After reading up on it, I found out they had been travelling through Europe. Great thing to do, especially for kids who haven't been out of the country.
We were awful in that trip four years ago. Probably helped things come around eventually.
Given how young we are (especially assuming at least the one departured) the extra practice time with Beilein should be super helpful.
IIRC those teams we played were professional or semi-pro teams in Europe. They were older, faster, and more cohesive than our young team. But it did help. I think the NCAA allows this once every 4 years.
You are indeed correct - the summary of the trip was actually on MGoBlue, including the boxscores for each game (LINK)
We lost to Gent, Charleroi and Oostende but did beat Mons by a score of 80-74. The three losses were by 6, 30 and 15 points.
Fab Five disagrees.
It's up to the individual kid.
I would have a blast in this situation, personally. It might have a small effect. Who knows
This trip could be huge. Going into practice in the fall with players knowing each other's tendencies and playing style would be very beneficial and would be critical for prep going into the nonconference season which will once again be pretty difficult... Just imagine if we had done this last season... More team chemistry in games in which we looked lost at times (ISU, each Puerto Rico game, Duke)
especially if the 3 Sophomores leave for the NBA. We will be bringing in several new players to the rotation.
Does this mean everyones coming back!!!??!!
Maybe they will schedule a game against Amedeo Della Valle's new team.
are you implying there wasn't team chemistry this year?
I'm implying that it takes alot of work to rebuild the chemistry if you potentially lose 3 starters
Can someone verify what type of restrictions there are on foreign trips like this...seem to recall that teams can only do it once every few years. I guess if annual foreign barnstorming tours become the norm, it could be construed as a major recruiting perk and an excuse to start practice much earlier than other schools (pure speculation on my part, but seems to make sense). And not every school can afford such a trip.
Anyway, I'm happy that we're heading overseas for extended pre-season experience. Plus, memories for a lifetime and such for the players.
EDIT: Answer to my own question is at UMHoops. Every 4 years. Makes sense since it was, like, 4 years ago when we last flew over the pond.
How about a trip around Canada?
Where can we sign up? I wanna go :)
I saw the loss in Oostende in 2010. Douglass was the clear leader that night, and I've always liked him better than anybody else from that team because of it.
Does anybody know where they're going? Following them around would be a fun summer vacation.
thought any of the 3 are coming back. This is the type of trip you take with a brand new inexperienced team to build chemistry and find roles. I am afraid this means it does not bode well for any of them returning. A year ago, I would have been devastated by such thoughts, but I am so convinced that Beilein is a genius that I have confidence he will use the time to build something terrific .
We also have the type of kids now that will appreciate the cultural experience, unlike many of the Fab 5 who complained about it.
Who wants to go to Europe? It aint Detroit!