Purdue basketball tips off summer practice

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue men's basketball conducted its first practice Monday in preparation for an overseas trip to Italy in August.

The Boilermakers will visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and Lake Como as part of a 10-day Italian tour that will also see the Boilermakers play four games.

"They are playing against bigger, stronger, and older players," Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter said shortly after Monday's practice at Cardinal Court. "Four years ago when we went to Australia, we tried to explain to our guys this what they do for a living. If they don't perform then could lose their job."

The Boilermaker players are looking forward to the practice time and the unique summer competition.

"I think it is going to be awesome and I have been looking forward to it since I knew we were going," said guard Dru Anthrop.

An additional returning Purdue guard, Terone Johnson, thinks the games against Italian players will benefit incoming freshmen Raphael Davis, Jay Simpson, A.J. Hammons, and Terone Johnson's younger brother, Ronnie Johnson.

"It also gives the younger guys a chance to learn some new things both offensively and defensively," said Terone Johnson.

Guard-forward D.J. Byrd agrees.

"The more experience we can get with these guys we will know what they want to do," Byrd added. "We will just figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are and what their roles will be."

The travel party will depart on August 7 and return on August 17. Pursuant to NCAA regulations, the team will have 10 practice days before departing on their second international tour under Coach Painter.