Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider men's basketball to tour Italy
6/15/2023 5:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee men's basketball is set to embark upon a privately funded foreign tour of Italy this summer. The Blue Raiders will be in Italy Aug. 14-22 on a trip that features stops in Rome, Florence and Milan. Games are scheduled to be played on August 18 and 20 with opponents to be announced later.
"The NCAA allows every basketball program in the country to go on a foreign tour once every four years, and this one couldn't have fallen at a better time," head coach Nick McDevitt said. "With five new players and several returning players with anticipated expanding roles, this gives us additional opportunities to be on the floor together. From extra summer practices to games versus outside competition, the added court time will allow this group to develop on-court chemistry that much faster.
"Additionally, this trip allows many of us to experience others' culture and their day-to-day way of life. The opportunity to visit some of the most historic cities and venues in the world is something we're all looking forward to. We are grateful to the group of supporters who have made this privately funded trip possible."
As a result of taking the trip, the NCAA has granted Middle Tennessee 10 additional practices. Those practices will allow the Blue Raiders' five new faces more time to assimilate to the team.
Between games and practices, the Blue Raiders will tour Rome, the Colosseum, Vatican City museums, the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Lucca, and Como Lake.
"Taking this trip opens up new doors and opportunities for everybody," senior point guard Camryn Weston said. "It is a great way to experience something new in Italy and on the court as well to be able to play against some pros, since that is the end goal for everybody on this team."
This is the Blue Raiders' first preseason international tour since a visit to Costa Rica ahead of the 2019-20 season, during which MTSU played a pair of games against the top professional players from Panama.
For those interested in purchasing tour packages to accompany the Blue Raiders to Italy, please contact Emma McKinney in the men's basketball office at (615) 898-2916 or Emma.McKinney@mtsu.edu.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball on social media on Facebook //MTMensBasketball, Twitter (@MT_MBB) and Instagram (@mt_mbb).
"The NCAA allows every basketball program in the country to go on a foreign tour once every four years, and this one couldn't have fallen at a better time," head coach Nick McDevitt said. "With five new players and several returning players with anticipated expanding roles, this gives us additional opportunities to be on the floor together. From extra summer practices to games versus outside competition, the added court time will allow this group to develop on-court chemistry that much faster.
"Additionally, this trip allows many of us to experience others' culture and their day-to-day way of life. The opportunity to visit some of the most historic cities and venues in the world is something we're all looking forward to. We are grateful to the group of supporters who have made this privately funded trip possible."
As a result of taking the trip, the NCAA has granted Middle Tennessee 10 additional practices. Those practices will allow the Blue Raiders' five new faces more time to assimilate to the team.
Between games and practices, the Blue Raiders will tour Rome, the Colosseum, Vatican City museums, the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Lucca, and Como Lake.
"Taking this trip opens up new doors and opportunities for everybody," senior point guard Camryn Weston said. "It is a great way to experience something new in Italy and on the court as well to be able to play against some pros, since that is the end goal for everybody on this team."
This is the Blue Raiders' first preseason international tour since a visit to Costa Rica ahead of the 2019-20 season, during which MTSU played a pair of games against the top professional players from Panama.
For those interested in purchasing tour packages to accompany the Blue Raiders to Italy, please contact Emma McKinney in the men's basketball office at (615) 898-2916 or Emma.McKinney@mtsu.edu.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball on social media on Facebook //MTMensBasketball, Twitter (@MT_MBB) and Instagram (@mt_mbb).
Players Mentioned
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