Troy University Athletics
Men’s Basketball Returns from Unforgettable Costa Rica Foreign Tour
8/9/2022 11:43:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. – The Troy men's basketball team returned from its eight-day journey in the 2022 Foreign Tour to Costa Rica on Sunday, enriched with a highly cultural and athletic experience.
"Costa Rica was an absolutely amazing experience for our basketball team," head coach Scott Cross said. "We played three games during our tour, which allowed us to play different lineups and helped expose areas where we need to improve. However, the main benefit was team bonding. We went hiking, zip lining, white water rafting and ATV riding. Our guys even had an amazing time at the pool with an unforgettable karaoke night."
The adventure began in San Jose, Costa Rica, on July 30, where they remained for five days to compete in three games against the El Salvador National Team and the Costa Rica All-Stars. The revamped roster, which included new stars in Jackson Fields, Nelson Phillips and Aamer Muhammad, went a perfect 3-0 with a combined score of 273-173.
While in San Jose, Troy also hosted two kids' basketball clinics where they led a variety of drills that emphasized the fundamentals of the game in dribbling, shooting, passing and rebounding. To conclude the clinics, each age group participated in a friendly game of basketball and soccer with the team.
Outside of basketball, the team developed their chemistry through three primary bonding exercises. The first exercise had Troy flying through the rainforest of Monteverde via zip lines and hiking through the forest's hanging bridges. Next, the Trojans banded together in teams of 5-6 to wind through the Pacuare River. Finally, Troy drove ATV vehicles through the jungles of Jaco and swam in the local waterfalls.
The Trojans had a chance to dive into the Costa Rican culture while in the streets of the nation's capital, San Jose. Here they shopped at the local market and enjoyed native cuisines like Gallo Pinto, Sopa Negra and Coconut Flan.
Troy concluded its tour in Los Sueños, where they toured one of the nation's most famous beach cities while enjoying delicious seafood. Finally, the Trojans finished their stay in Herradura, where they relaxed by the pool and beach until departure to the states.
"We were very fortunate to host two clinics for the youth of Costa Rica and learn about the history and culture from our amazing tour guide, Jorge and compliance director, Santiago," Cross said. "This was the most amazing experience, and I am so grateful to Brent Jones and Dr. Hawkins, who made it possible for us. Pura Vida!"
With the conclusion of the 2022 Foreign Tour, Troy gets a short break before starting its official practices in October. However, the 10 extra practices combined with the eight-day foreign tour put Troy in a great position to start the 2022-23 season.
