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Jeff Goodman of Stadium Sports reported a few days ago that six Big Ten teams will be traveling overseas to bond and play exhibition basketball against some international competition.
Big Ten teams heading on foreign trips this summer, per sources:
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 6, 2019
Illinois - Aug. 4-14 (Italy)
Michigan State - TBD (likely Spain)
Minnesota - Aug. 3-13 (Italy)
Nebraska - Aug. 3-13 (Italy)
Northwestern - Aug. 19-31 (France, Italy)
Rutgers - Aug. 5-16 (Spain)
Those teams and locations are below.
- Illinois - August 4-14 - Italy
- Michigan State - location/dates TBD - Spain
- Minnesota - August 3-13 - Italy
- Nebraska - August 3-13 - Italy
- Northwestern - August 19-31 - France and Italy
- Rutgers - August 5-16 - Spain
International trips are a great way for young teams to bond, come together, learn offensive and defensive systems, and play against some sometimes stiff, grown-up competition. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence that most of the teams above are looking to breakthrough into the top-half of the Big Ten next season. International trips are a great way for programs to try and take another step.
NCAA rules allow programs to travel abroad every four years. It was started in 2010 after freshmen were able to get onto campus earlier. Programs are allowed up to 10 extra practices and teams usually get in anywhere between 3-5 games.
Stay tuned in August for updates from BTPowerhouse on surprising elements from these overseas trips. The Big Ten looks loaded again next season, so any head start on practices and game situations could give these teams a potential edge.