An NCAA basketball team is allowed to head overseas for an international trip once every four years. However, the Kansas State Wildcats haven't taken advantage of that rule since 2004 when they took a trip to Vancouver. Now under new head coach Bruce Weber, it's clear that the former Illinois coach is looking for a way to bond with the team and find out a bit more about his players with a schedule August trip to Brazil.
The team doesn't leave for several weeks, but NCAA summer practice rules have changed and Weber has his team together this month to prep for the trip abroad -- something he says both players and coaches are excited about.
"Our staff, as well as the players, couldn't be more excited about the start of team practice," said Weber. "We have already been taking advantage of the new rules regarding the summer workouts, but this will be the first time getting the entire team together for a workout. We are looking forward to continuing to implement our system and getting better acclimated with the players."
From the team's press release, "The 10-day trip from August 8-17 will include four games against Brazilian club teams in the cities of Sao Paulo (August 9-11) and Rio de Janeiro (August 12-16). The Wildcats will play their first game on Friday, August 10, against the Mogi das Cruzes Club team before a tilt with the Sao Jose dos Campos Club team on Saturday, August 11. The final two games will be against the Pingdamonhangaba Club team on Sunday, August 12, and the Tijuca Sports Club on Tuesday, August 14."