Michigan Basketball Team to take Europe Trip this Summer

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)

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.

Longshot, but maybe this helps influence Nik/Glenn/Mitch to stay; it would be pretty hard to pass up a free trip to Europe with some of your best friends.

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.

Great news! Something tells me we are going to rebuild the team chemistry next season.

They better execute and be tough. Wait, wrong team.

Hey look kids, there's Big Ben, and there's Parliament...again.

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 :)

We did this in the fab five era as well. Seems good to do this every 3-4 years.

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.

The court time is of course valuable but it's a good team bonding experience too. Beilein emphasizes attitude and confidence as much as any coach I've followed.

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!

1) Ditto RE: team chemistry, especially if we lose all 3. 2) My guess is any positive pull it would have for guts staying one more year will be minimal. It's nice, but more icing on the cake. 3) The every 4 years thing us a nice touch to perhaps kids to stay longer & get more education under their belt. Maybe not the NBA bound guys, but maybe guys on the fence for other reasons. Those Who Stay Will Be Champions....and go to Europe. 4) Hopefully the guys appreciate the experience for what it is, especially the guys who wouldn't normally get that kind of opportunity. I remember in that Fab Five documentary when the guys went to Europe, they acted like spoiled brats and didn't seem to appreciate anything that tip was supposed to be about. Maybe that's because they were just teenagers, or maybe it was the ego trip they were on because they were the Fab Five. But hopefully this next team won't approach the trip the same way.