July 26, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - You've heard of Christmas in July. Well, for Tiger hoops fans, it's going to be like mid-October in early August. On Monday, the Memphis basketball team announced plans for a foreign exhibition tour of The Bahamas from Aug. 14-18, which allow the Tigers to begin a 10-day practice schedule Aug. 2.

"Per NCAA rules, basketball programs are allowed to take a foreign trip once every four years, and my staff and I feel this is a great opportunity for this team," said head coach Josh Pastner. "We have such a young squad, and with the 10 extra practice days the NCAA allows for the trip, we hope the team grows and bonds together for the upcoming season.

"These practices are also going to give the new guys a small glimpse into what we will do in preseason drills in mid-to-late October. While these 10 practice days and two exhibitions won't give us enough time to put in everything we want to do, they will give our staff the opportunity to evaluate the team at this point and look at different lineups and combinations.

"Our plan is to practice in three-to-four day intervals, with a couple of days off. Then, we'll head off to The Bahamas for the games. We are looking forward to the trip and getting the basketball season started a little earlier this year."

The Tigers' 10-day practice period begins Aug. 2 in Memphis, with the team leaving for The Bahamas Aug. 14. Memphis returns to the Bluff City on Aug. 18.

The Tigers are scheduled to play two exhibition games against teams from The Bahamas Basketball Federation on Aug. 15 and 17. Game time for each exhibition contest is 6:30 p.m. (CT)/7:30 p.m. (Bahamas Time). The games are slated to be played at Sir Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.

For fans interested in going to The Bahamas to see the Tigers foreign exhibition tour, contact Mike Horton of Travelennium at 901-762-7030.

The last time Memphis took a foreign tour was prior to the 2003-04 season. The Tigers traveled to Cancun in early October of 2003 just before the start of preseason practice.