Huger, Falcons Prepare for Cultural Immersion Tour of Italy

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Bowling Green, Ohio – A lot of things have changed since the Bowling Green State University men's basketball team last went abroad on a trip to Canada in Aug. 2011, but the main goal remains the same – to give the Falcon student-athletes the once in a lifetime educational and cultural experience through the game of basketball and Bowling Green State University.

This summer, the Falcons began preparing for its 10-day cultural immersion tour to Italy in mid-August. Coach Huger and his squad are allotted a total of 10 on-campus practices that will be broken up between June, July and August before the Falcons take flight for Italy.

"From a playing standpoint, we are allowed 10 practices prior to departing for our tour. This is a huge benefit this year for us because we have a lot of young guys who haven't played together. Having the chance to give our freshmen and sophomores extra time on the court and become familiar with both our offensive and defensive sets will be a huge benefit when the season rolls around. It will also help our juniors and seniors establish their leadership roles, something we will need in order to be successful," stated head coach Michael Huger.

The benefits of these trips, which the NCAA allows teams to take once every four years, begin for the Falcons on Bill Frack Court inside the Stroh Center and in the weight room inside the Sebo Center this summer, but will continue to build in prominence as the Falcons' take flight for the 10-day adventure on Aug. 8.

"Having the opportunity to take the team to Italy is a huge benefit to our program, to the development of our players as people and athletes and is essential to developing a positive team chemistry. Not only does it give our student-athletes an opportunity to experience a different culture and see a different part of the world, but it also allows them to become educated on historical items such as the Vatican, Colosseum, and Italian traditions. Much of what they experience in Italy, is something they will appreciate more and more as they continue to get older," Huger continued.

The Orange and Brown will begin its trip with three days in Rome from Aug. 9-11, where the Falcons will play against the Latina All-Stars on Aug. 10. Two days later, the BGSU will face off with the Florence All-Stars on Aug. 12 in Florence, before playing the Vicenza All-Stars on Aug. 14 in Venice and a team to be announced on their final day of the tour on Aug. 17 in Lake Como.

"Playing against Italian professional teams not only gives our squad some warm up games before the season, but also allows our newcomers Dylan, Rodrick, Justin and Jeff to become adjusted to a faster paced and more physical style of play," stated Huger. "It also gives our older guys like Zack, Wes, Ish and Garrett the opportunity to test their skills in a professional setting as they near the end of their college careers."

In addition to the four international on-court experiences, BGSU will venture to historic sites and visit some amazing places such as the Colosseum, Ancient Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona, Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Florence, Venice, Ferrari Museum, Lake Como, Bellagio and many more.

"This experience will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of our guys, and it allows us to show we are fully invested in both the student and the athlete experience. We want all of our players leaving Bowling Green better men who are prepared for life. Our tour of Italy will help tremendously in that development," said Huger. "Bill Frack wanted to see these young men get a unique cultural experience and set our program apart from others. We are honored and thankful to have the opportunity to make his wishes come true through his generous gift."

You can go abroad with the Falcons by following the men's basketball team on the tour of Italy via Twitter (@BGSUMHoops), Instagram (@bgsumhoops) and Snapchat (BGSU Falcons).

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Huger, Falcons Prepare for Cultural Immersion Tour of Italy

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