@CanesHoops to Play Summer Tour in Spain
The University of Miami men’s basketball team will embark on a nine-night, 10-day summer basketball tour of Spain from August 12-22. Beginning the trip in Madrid, Miami will engage in an educational excursion that will also include four games, sightseeing and community service opportunities.
“Preparation is always the key to success, so we started planning for the 2014-15 season in September 2013,” said Miami coach Jim Larrañaga. “With just four veterans returning from this year’s team and eight new players joining our roster, we felt it was very important to give them some playing experience together. The trip to Spain is an ideal opportunity for our players to grow physically, mentally and educationally together as a team. With 10 days of practice and four very competitive games, we should be able to give our players enough experience that it will benefit us during the season. Spain is a tremendous country and I know our players and fans will enjoy a great trip.”
The team’s four games will be played against professional club teams in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.
Before the Canes go on their voyage overseas, the team will have 10 days of practice leading up to the trip, which will include the entire 2014-15 squad, including incoming freshmen and transfers. Per NCAA rules, schools are allowed to take one foreign tour every four years. Miami’s last tour was to Argentina and Uruguay in the summer of 1998.
Aside from competition, the team will have a great cultural experience within each city. The tour begins in Madrid, where the team may stop at the Prado Museum, the main national art museum in Spain that houses one of the world’s finest collections of European art and a day trip to the ancient walled city of Toledo. The team can also visit the Royal Palace, walk through Plaza Mayor (the main square in Madrid) or have dinner at Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world.
After a three night stay in Madrid, the team will make the journey to Valencia for two nights. Sightseeing options for the team in Valencia include a stroll through the historical center, a visit to the beautiful City of Arts and Sciences or simply relaxation on the picturesque beach at Cabanyal, followed by dinner including Valencian Paella and Cava.
The final stop of the tour will be a four-night stay in Barcelona. Highlights of the stay in Barcelona will include tours of Barcelona’s Olympic sites and Gaudi’s works, including the world famous cathedral, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. The team can also enjoy a stroll down the Las Ramblas or take a day trip to Montserrat.
UM Athletics will also partner with the University of Miami Alumni Association on this tour to host gatherings for alumni and fans. This will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow Canes abroad.
Official travel packages are available as part of the official Miami Hurricanes travel party. Anyone who is interested in joining the team on the trip can register using the Miami link at http://www.basketballtravelers.com/basketball-fans. Additional information can also be obtained by contacting Becky Johnson by email Becky@BasketballTravelers.com or telephone 425-776-3309.
