Washington State head coach Ken Bone announced plans on Thursday for the Cougars’ upcoming trip to Australia, with the team scheduled to play five games over a two-week period.
This will be the second trip to Australia in five years for the program, and it gives the three Australians on the roster the opportunity to play in front of the home folks.
“We are very excited, as a team, to make this trip to Australia,” Bone said in a statement released by the school. “Not only will we have a great opportunity to compete against elite international competition, but we will also have the chance to really experience Australia and different cultures.
“With three Australians on our team, I think it will be very special for the guys to see more about where their teammates are from, as it will be great for the Aussies to make a trip home and play in front of family and friends.
“I really think this trip is going to help us as a team as we get to know each other better both on and off the court. I can’t thank Bill Moos enough for this opportunity.”
Washington State will play games in Melbourne (hometown of guard Dexter Kenrich-Drew) and Sydney (hometown of junior college center James Hunter), and there will also be a game near forward Brock Motum’s native Brisbane.
Washington State finished the 2011-12 season with a 19-18 record, falling to Pittsburgh in the championship series of the CBI.
With the likes of Motum and guards DaVonte Lacy and Reggie Moore back, maybe the Cougars can use this trip as a springboard onto bigger and better things in 2012-13.
The 2007 team that went on the Cougars’ most recent off-season trip (to Australia and New Zealand) went 26-9 that season, falling to North Carolina in the Sweet 16.
Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.