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SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah men's basketball team has finalized plans for its 12-day trip to Brazil in August, the team announced Monday. The trip will include five games against Brazilian squads from the professional and amateur ranks as well as training sessions and sightseeing tours.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our staff and players," said Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak. "We have a unique chance to visit a place where most of us have never been. Our primary focus will be on the 10 days of practice and games as well as the team building that comes from an extended road trip together. I think it's a great way to kick-start our program again and put us in a really good position to be ahead of the game when the new school year starts."
Among their opponents will be two professional Division I teams, a Division II team, the Brazilian U-23 squad and a mid-level opponent as well.
The Utes will depart Salt Lake City on Aug. 4 and return Aug. 15. They will spend time in the cities of São José dos Campos, Rio de Janeiro and Búzios or Cabo Frio, with sightseeing stops to include Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer and a boat tour in Búzios.
Exciting travel opportunities have become a staple in the Utah men's basketball program. The Utes' trip to Brazil will mark their fourth off-season international tour in the last 15 years, including their previous trip to Australia in 2007 and additional tours in 1997 and 2001. Regular season travel has been no exception, with Utah playing in several prestigious tournaments, including the Battle 4 Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas), Great Alaska Shootout (Anchorage), Great Eight (Chicago), John Wooden Classic (Anaheim), Maui Invitational (Lahaina, Maui), Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu), Puerto Rico Shootout (San Juan), Glenn Wilkes Classic (Daytona Beach) and Preseason NIT (New York City).
