Official practice for the 2000-01 season may still be months away, but that didn't stop the Virginia men's basketball team from picking up some early preparation at the end of this summer.
From Aug. 16 to 27, the Cavaliers traveled to Germany, Belgium and France and participated in a six-game exhibition tour. While there they played various European club and professional teams, which included TSK Bamberg, TSV Breitengussbach, SunAir Osfende, the Antwerp Junior team, Lummen BBC and Sceaux BBC. Coach Pete Gillen's squad finished the trip with a 5-1 record.
But the trip proved to be more than just a late summer vacation. It was a time for the team to gain valuable experience and put to test different lineups and players.
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"Our goals going on the trip were to come closer together as a team," Gillen said. "We wanted to improve our team unity, our team chemistry. We wanted to have fun in the summer time; we wanted to learn about the cultures of Belgium, Germany and France; we wanted to improve individually and as a team, and we wanted to win some games."
While the European tour clearly helped the team as a whole, it was especially beneficial for sophomore power forward Travis Watson and senior shooting guard Keith Friel. The duo led the Cavaliers in scoring, as both scored in double figures in all six games of the trip and averaged 17.0 points per game each. In addition, Watson averaged 9.7 rebounds per game, while Friel shot 40 percent from the floor.
"Friel shot the ball very well," Gillen said. "He's a smart player, a tough kid, and I thought he had a very good trip. I should have played him a little more last year. He can put the ball in the basket and is a great shooter. He was our highest scorer, and at the two-guard, his minutes are going to go up no matter what."
Sophomore Roger Mason Jr., appointed the Cavs' backup point guard when a torn anterior cruciate ligament sidelined Majestic Mapp last month, also received valuable practice in Europe. Although he had some training at his new position prior to the trip, playing against foreign teams made the experience all the more effective.
Mason "did a very good job," Gillen said. "His natural position is the two-guard, but he can play the point. He still has stuff to learn, and we're going to miss Majestic dearly, but I think Roger can be a very solid backup point guard for us. Our point guard situation will be in good hands."
Another player who had a worthwhile experience was sophomore center Jason Rogers. After playing only 13 games and averaging 1.7 ppg last year, Rogers made his mark in Europe, starting two games, scoring in double figures twice and grabbing 10 rebounds in one game.
"Rogers did some nice things," Gillen said. "He certainly showed signs that he can help us [because] he blocked some shots. I think it was good for Jason. We're going to need him because we're thin on the front line."
Virginia received important contributions from the entire team as well. At least four Cavaliers scored in double figures in each of the six games. The team's five victories were decisive, as the average winning margin was 35.4 points.
And with the six games already under their belts, the extra experience definitely will help the Cavs when the upcoming season kicks off in November.
The Europe trip "worked out well for us and we got a lot out of it," Gillen said. "I think we'll appreciate it more as time goes on"
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