All good things come to an end. This was a fabulous trip for our team. While we were not really tested from a basketball standpoint there was significant value in having three games and seeing everyone get valuable playing time.

The most important value was a travel abroad experience for all of these guys as it was the first time in foreign country for over half of them. Since the basketball season doesn't allow for a semester abroad this is the closest they can come to the travel experience that many college students get to have.

As the trip unfolded we were able to see people so some things outside of their comfort level and have a shared experience as a team. Whether this translates to a successful seson remains to be seen, but it will be a lifelong memory.

Our alumni and friends who played a big role in funding this trip can be proud of the actions and interactions that they would have observed. I anticipate that this group wil understand the support that they received and are likely to give back to the program in the future. In that manner this trip was important in continueing the ties that are a part of the tradition of Gustavus Basketball.

Thank you to all of you who have followed the blog and enjoyed the trip from afar. The long last day of travel allowed everyone to reflect on the trip and anticipate the upcoming season.

Coach Mark Hanson