Every four years the NCAA allows college teams to take a preseason trip in a foreign country. These trips usually happen right now in August, just right before school starts. The trips are a good bonding experience for the team’s players to come together. They also gain extra practices with coaches love since there are so many resections and freshman get a taste of college basketball. How much better teams get, because of these trip remains to be seen, but it doesn’t hurt. Some of the teams are playing are good teams such as national teams and some of the other teams are awful.
In the coming days, I will update you on how certain teams did on their trips, and what players stood out. Today I look at the Big 12 Baylor, Texas A&M, and Iowa State.
Baylor-Toronto (3-1)
Baylor went up to Canada and play well even with two of their better players not playing. Qunicy Acywas sick and freshman standout Quincy Miller is waiting to be cleard by the NCAA. They also did not play with Gary Franklin who is ineligible for the fall semester. Perry Jones III showed why he is one of the best players in the nation leading the Bears in scoring. Brady Heslip, a Boston College transfer showed off his shooting skills. JUCO transfer point guard Pierre Jackson also had a strong showing. Look for Heslip and Jackson to start in the backcourt. Deuce Bello, a freshman should get a lot of minutes this year. The Bears could use some depth up front Cory Jefferson should do that after this trip.
Baylor’s players points per game in Toronto (more than 7) - Perry Jones III (20), Brady Heslip (17), Cory Jefferson (12), Pierre Jackson (11), Duce Bello (9), Anthony Jones (8), A.J. Walton (7), Fred Ellis (7)
Texas Am- Switzerland, France (2-2)
The Aggies finished up their trip going 2-2; this was a good trip for new head coach Bill Kennedy to know his players. The best news coming out of the trip is Washington transfer Elston Turner is the real deal. They really need his scoring in the backcourt. As usual Khris Middleton, the Aggies best player, put up solid numbers. David Loubeau also played well; he just keeps on getting better. Dash Harris also played well at point guard. Kourtney Roberson showed why he will the be a quality frontcourt player off the bench.
Texas A&M’s players points per game in Switzerland, France (more than 7)- Elston Turner (14), Khris Middleton (12), David Loubeau (11), Dash Harris (7),Kourtney Roberson (7)
Iowa State- Italy (4-0)
This was a much-needed trip for Iowa State since they have so many transfers into the program. Leading returning scorers from last season Scott Christopherson and Melvin Ejim where the best players for the Cyclones on the trip. Christopherson is a deadly shooter. Now the transfers, Chris Babb and Chris Allen showed off their shooting skills. Anthony Booker and Royce White are great rebounders. White showed off his all around game. Tyrus McGee, a JUCO transfer showed he knows how to score.
Iowa State’s players points per game in Italy (more than 7) - Scott Christopherson (14), Chris Babb (13), Melvin Ejim (13), Royce White (12), Chris Allen (12), Tyrus McGee (10), Anthony Booker (8), Bubu Palo (8)
Tags: Baylor, Iowa State, Texas AM
