Gamecock Men's Basketball Set For August Foreign Tour To Costa Rica

July 11, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s basketball team will embark on a six-day foreign tour in Costa Rica, August 6-12, fifth-year head coach Frank Martin announced on Monday. The Gamecocks will play two games versus the Costa Rica National Team and will have one day of combined practice with the Team while on the tour, in addition to holding two clinics, including one for Special Olympics. The trip is Carolina’s first foreign tour since Fall 2008.

“I’m so thankful for Coach Tanner, Dr. Pastides and our Board of Trustees members that have allowed us the opportunity to take our team abroad this summer,” Martin said. “It is going to be a great opportunity to have practices with our returning players and our new players to better prepare the basketball part for the beginning of next season, but also a team bonding life experience that is part of the college preparation for players to see how the rest of the world works. This trip will be an educational, social and basketball learning moment for all of us.”

Per NCAA rules regarding a foreign tour, South Carolina will hold 10 days of practices prior to departing Columbia. Carolina will travel to San Jose, Costa Rica, on August 6, where the Gamecocks will host two clinics and play the Costa Rica National Team twice. The Gamecocks will tour the capital city during their stay, and will have opportunities to see and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

Two days in the beach-side city of Playa Conchal and a combined practice with the Costa Rica National Team will conclude the trip. The Gamecocks will have an opportunity to explore Playa Conchal, nestled within the Province of Guanacaste, noted as one of the most beautiful regions of Costa Rica, during their stay on the Pacific Coast.

South Carolina travels to Costa Rica after a historic 2015-16 campaign that saw the Gamecocks post a school-record 24 regular-season wins, while matching the school record for total wins with 25. Three Carolina players earned postseason accolades from the SEC’s coaches, including rising seniors Duane Notice (SEC Sixth Man of the Year) and classmate Sindarius Thornwell (SEC All-Defensive Team).

South Carolina’s trip to Costa Rica is in collaboration with Anthony Travel. Continue to visit GamecocksOnline.com for updates on South Carolina basketball.