University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Basketball To Take Preseason Training Trip to The Bahamas
June 13, 2006 | Men's Basketball
June 13, 2006
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts head coach Travis Ford announced the men's basketball team will take a preseason training trip to The Bahamas in late August in preparation of the 2006-07 season. The trip, which will run from August 17-24, will feature the Minutemen playing five games against international competition. All of the returning players from last season along with now-eligible transfers: Luke Bonner, Etienne Brower and Gary Forbes will play as Minutemen for the first time as well as point guard Tiki Mayben, who has met eligibility standards and is now a member of the roster.
"For our team, heading into the 2006-07 season, this may be the most important year to take an international trip," said Ford, who is entering his second season at UMass. "We are incorporating four new players to our rotation in addition to all of our returning players so this trip will be very beneficial."
UMass returns its top three scorers including A-10 First Team star Rashaun Freeman and 2006 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Stephane Lasme. Freeman, James Life and Lasme combined to score more than 35 points per game and grab close to 20 rebounds per game.
In addition to the training time and five games in the Bahamas, taking a trip allows UMass to have 10 days of practice on campus in Amherst prior to the trip, which will also be an asset in preparation to the highly-anticipated season which will start in November.
"We will have 10 days on campus before we head out which will benefit our new players mixing in," said Ford. "The trip itself will be a bonding experience and build team chemistry. It has been a trend for many schools with many additions to take such trips which will prove to be beneficial for UMass."
Last summer, 2005 national champion North Carolina along with Marshall and Troy played in a similar tour in the Bahamas. This season, Oregon (the same week as UMass) and 2006 national champion Florida will also be participating in training trips to the Bahamas. Games against other U.S. college teams are not permitted as part of the trips, but the teams will paired as doubleheaders, which will be played at the Sir Kendal Isaac Gym in The Bahamas.
The trip will be funded completely by non-university sources as the program has been fundraising in anticipation of the event. Anyone wishing to contribute, please call 413-545-4290.
UMass last took an international trip in August of 2001, when the team went to Greece.