WASHINGTON - For the first time in six years, American University men's basketball is heading abroad. The Eagles will embark on a nine-day trip to Italy with Global Sports & Events, leaving on August 14 and returning on August 23. The experience, which will include three games against international competition, provides the coaching staff and team a unique opportunity to bond and grow as a group.
 
Prior to leaving, AU is granted time to prepare and will hold the equivalent of 10 full practices in addition to strength and conditioning workouts in the six weeks prior to the trip. First-year head coach Duane Simpkins, hired in April, is looking forward to the chance to take his new team overseas.
 
"We're super excited, one, to go and experience another culture," said Simpkins. "I played in Italy for 10 months, but a number of our student-athletes have never been to Europe. So, it's a great opportunity for them. As a team, we're very fortunate. Anytime you're a first-time head coach, you want to develop a culture and get some experience. This is a way to speed up that process of us coming together by having the 10 practices that we otherwise wouldn't have. Then playing three games against some pretty good competition internationally will also help advance our process of us coming together and jelling, so we are thrilled."

The whole program, along with many family members who will be joining the group, will spend a few days each in Naples, Rome and finally Florence before heading back to the States. Cultural experiences on the itinerary include Pompeii, the Coliseum, Vatican Museums, Accademia, and a bike tour in Lucca (outside of Florence). One game in Rome and two in Florence are on the docket, with the opposing teams still to be determined.

Be sure to follow along on the AU men's basketball social media accounts on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (/AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball) leading up to and during the trip for videos, photos, blogs and more.