WASHINGTON - The long-awaited overseas trip has nearly arrived, with American University men's basketball set to leave on its "Eagles in Italy" tour on Monday, August 14. American will embark on a nine-day trip to Naples, Rome and Florence with Global Sports & Events. 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.
 
AU was granted time to prepare and held the equivalent of 10 full practices in addition to strength and conditioning workouts in the six weeks leading up 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 Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Accademia, and a bike tour in Lucca (outside of Florence). One game in Rome and two in Florence are on the docket.

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.