WKU Hilltopper Basketball will get a head start on the upcoming 2017-18 season by participating in a seven-day foreign tour to Costa Rica in August.
The Hilltoppers will tentatively play three games against pro, club or international college teams to be announced in Costa Rica while on the overseas trip, which takes place Aug. 7-14.
Per NCAA rules, programs are allowed to take a foreign tour once every four years, although this is the first such trip for WKU since the Hilltoppers traveled to Spain prior to the 2005-06 season.
NCAA rules allow WKU the opportunity to conduct 10 practices in Bowling Green prior to leaving for the tour.
“Getting the 10 days of practice is what’s kind of special about these trips,” WKU men’s basketball head coach Rick Stansbury said Tuesday during a meeting with the media at E.A. Diddle Arena. “And then what’s good, especially with a brand-new team, is the opportunity to bond for the seven days we’re over there.”
The Hilltoppers will arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Aug. 7 and are scheduled to play three games in the following days. After wrapping up their competition on the court, WKU will head to the Los Suenos area for the rest of its stay to experience the local culture, including excursions and other team activities.
The trip will be a prime opportunity to build chemistry on a team that will feature several new faces next season.
“This trip will be a tremendous experience for our men’s basketball program,” Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “Our players, many of whom will be new to the program, will receive invaluable practice time and a head start against outside competition. Equally as important, this trip will serve as a great bonding opportunity in a unique cultural environment.”
More details about WKU’s trip to Costa Rica will be released as they become available.
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Zach Greenwell
Associate Director
WKU Athletic Communications/Media Relations
