Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball announces 2023 international tour schedule
The Iowa Hawkeyes are looking to welcome in some new faces and find the right mix of talent, experience, and skill heading into the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season.
Coming off a 19-14 record that saw the Hawkeyes earn another NCAA Tournament bid, there is a sense of urgency to advance in the tournament and see what this team can do. There are also a lot of minutes to be had by newcomers.
The exodus saw Kris Murray, Filip Rebraca, Connor McCaffery, and Ahron Ulis depart from the roster. Each of them contributed very significant minutes.
The Hawkeyes will get their first real chances to blend the new roster together when they head overseas in August. They have three games between France and Spain to get some invaluable game action.
🔜🇫🇷🇪🇸
➡ https://t.co/86eKt8iEPY pic.twitter.com/Qog85oPyvt
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) August 1, 2023
The Hawkeyes’ international tour starts with a matchup in Paris, France, against the Paris All-Stars on Aug. 8 at 12 p.m. CT.
Following that, the Hawkeyes head to Spain for two games. First up is a matchup against the Valencia All-Stars in Valencia, Spain, on Aug. 11 at 12 p.m. CT. Closing out the tour is a matchup in Barcelona, Spain, against the Barcelona All-Stars on Aug. 14 at 12 p.m. CT.
Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery recently met with the media to preview the trip and to share plenty of thoughts on his roster so far.
“I think when you look at it, it’s much more than a basketball experience. It’s a cultural, educational, team bonding opportunity and I’ve been fortunate enough to do this more than a few times. The impact is so much more impressive when it comes to the big picture than it is specifically related to basketball.
“The games themselves are moderately important to be honest with you and that’s been a shift. In the past, when we used to go, we played it like it was the Final Four. The last time we went, it was much more relaxed. It’s get guys playing time, build confidence, get young guys opportunity. I don’t really need to see what Tony Perkins can do. We know what Tony Perkins can do. I need to find out what other guys can do, and that’s going to be more important,” McCaffery said.
An offer for Hawkeyes fans
For the best local Iowa news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Des Moines Register.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7
