“We are extremely excited about this opportunity,” Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson said. “It gives us an opportunity to get in the gym and practice as a team in July, and it gives the guys a little but more time to find our some more about themselves and about us collectively as a group.
“I know four years ago, we had this opportunity as a group and the guys responded very well throughout the course of the season. With the youth we had last year, just the opportunity to get some early games in August will be tremendous for us. There will be a lot of teams doing the same type of trip, so we will be able to see them play a little but and improve in some areas.”
Alabama State will depart for the Bahamas on August 7 and face the Atlantis All-Stars the next day, August 8, at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. They will also face the Bahamas All-Stars August 9 at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, before a day off. The Hornets conclude the tour against the CTG Knights on August 10 at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
In preparation for the trip, the Hornets will be allowed 10 practices in Montgomery beginning in July.
“It’s beneficial for us because we get the guys away from distractions for a few days,” Jackson said. “There will be a big group going with us, but the core group of guys that will be playing and coaching that will get an opportunity to bond and find out a little more about each other. We are excited about the opportunity, all of our guys are excited about it and they are here this summer getting a chance to workout. It will be an exciting time, especially the team-building aspect.”
The NCAA affords each program the opportunity of traveling outside the United States to face foreign competition once every four years. This will be the second foreign tour for Alabama State to the Bahamas.
