University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn MBB Plans Foreign Tour To Monaco, Spain
6/29/2023 10:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / June 30, 2023
STORRS, Conn. --- The 2023-24 version of the UConn men's basketball team will get a head start on the upcoming season as the team travels across the ocean for the program's first foreign tour in nearly 20 years.
On a trip that will encompass nine days in early August, the Huskies will spend time in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Barcelona, Spain, not only practicing and playing three games against formidable competition, but receiving the educational and cultural experience of a lifetime. For a team that will be trying to blend six newcomers with six returnees from the 2023 NCAA National Champions, the opportunity to bond is unmatched.
"We are excited to be able to provide our players with a terrific opportunity to combine basketball with the tremendous learning experience of a foreign tour," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "It's a chance for them to see cultures much different than their own and broaden their view of the world.
"Basketball-wise, we will get the chance to have 10 extra practice days, as well as real-game experience, which is critical for a team with so many new players."
UConn worked with Complete Sports Management to plan and finalize the trip.
"Complete Sports Management is excited to partner with UConn, showcasing their dominance with the elegance of Monaco and Barcelona," said Lea Miller-Tooley, CEO of the company. "This will be a tremendous reward for the defending national champions."
The Huskies will begin their journey on Wednesday, Aug. 2, flying directly to Nice, France, and then busing to Monaco, where they will spend three days touring the country and playing the first game of their trip on Saturday night, Aug. 5, against Le Cannet Basket (address below).
On Sunday, August 6, UConn will take a flight to Barcelona, spending the next four days sightseeing and preparing to play two games in the city. The Huskies will challenge a Spanish Select Team on Monday, Aug. 7, and meet a different Spanish Select Team on Tuesday, Aug. 8, both games at Pavellón Olimpica de Badalona (address below).
All three games will be open to the public and free of charge.
UConn will enjoy an open day to explore Barcelona on Wednesday, Aug. 9, before leaving for home on Thursday, Aug. 10. Â Â Â
"I don't think many of our players have been overseas, so it will be a new experience for everybody," said rising sophomore and returning starter Alex Karaban. "Being together as we tour different countries and play foreign teams can only help us become a better team. We're really looking forward to the trip."
The last foreign tour by a UConn men's team was a Thanksgiving week trip to London in November, 2004, which also followed a National Championship season. Before that, UConn embarked on a 17-day journey to England and Israel in August, 1998, and then won the program's first National Championship in 1998-99.
2023 UConn Foreign Tour
(All games open to the public, free of charge)
Game #1: vs. Le Cannet Basket
Date: Saturday, Aug. 5
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Le Cannet Basket
Address: Av. Maurice Jeanpierre, 06110, Le Cannet, France
Game #2: vs. Spanish Select Team I
Date: Monday, Aug. 7
Time: TBA
Location: Pavellón Olimpica de Badalona
Address: Carrer de Ponent, 143, 08912 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
Game #3: vs. Spanish Select Team II
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 8
Time: TBA
Location: Pavellón Olimpica de Badalona
Address: Carrer de Ponent, 143, 08912 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
