Lakers hoopsters tip off in Spain

 The Nipissing Lakers men’s basketball team has landed in Spain and is already getting down to work, hitting the court for practice and hitting the city for some culture and team building.

The team is in Valencia, Spain, from August 10-19 for a pre-season training camp and some new competition.  It’s the program's first international trip since its inaugural 2014-2015 season.

The team is training in the Valencia Professional Basketball Club training facility, working closely with players and coaches of the Europrobasketball International Academy. They’ll also compete against professional and semi-professional teams in the surrounding areas.

“We are scheduled to train 2-3 hours a day, compete in 3-4 exhibition games, and experience the Valencia culture through team excursions,” said Head Coach Chris Cheng. “Not only will this experience prepare us for the season, it provides a phenomenal team bonding and program building opportunity.”

On Sunday, the team had its first practice, followed by a team visit and stay at Las Arenas Beach. On Monday, the Lakers had another practice before playing, and winning 68-52, their first overseas game, against Eurprobasket Academy Team B.

Tuesday provided a day off for site seeing and the team visited Mauro de las Ciencias and Marine Park.

On Wednesday, it’s back on the hardwood for practice followed by another game vs. Europrobasket Academy Team A.

On Thursday, they will practice in the morning before visiting Valencia’s Old City Square followed by a 3-hour bike tour.

Friday, brings another practice and a game against a division 2 professional team.

Saturday, will be a day off the basketball court for more site seeing and team building before the flight home on Sunday.

Follow the rest of the trip on Coach Chris Cheng's Twitter feed: @Coach_Cheng