By Bryan Bloodworth
NORMAL – Illinois State’s men’s basketball team will get a jump-start to the upcoming season with a trip to Spain.
Coach Dan Muller announced the 10-day trip today that will have the Redbirds playing four games against opponents and dates to be determined. The team will arrive in Madrid on Aug. 7 and depart Barcelona on Aug. 16.
“We knew this year that we were finally eligible to go again,” said Muller. “With the NCAA rules, you’re eligible to go once every four years. I had hoped we could go, but you have to find the money and you have to make sure the planning is there. We’re lucky to have an administration that supports us with this.”
The Redbirds return seven players from last year’s 22-13 NIT team, who will be joined by seven newcomers on the trip.
“We’ve got a whole bunch of really good incoming guys,” added Muller. “We’ve got half and half (on the roster) and our half of returners has experience. There will be a lot of opportunity for playing time for next year for guys and as I told them it depends on what they do in the summer and who gets better.
“The trip also allows us to get a little bit out of the way (such things as) playing in games, rotations and letting players understand there are limited minutes. But I still think the best part and the most important part is experiencing that together. It just brings a team so close.”
Muller also said the 10 extra practices allowed prior to the trip will be beneficial.
“In all of my years as a player and coach, these trips have been tremendously beneficial to the teams the following year because of the extra work and bonding,” he added. “I certainly hope that will be the case this year.”
Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]
