Purdue men ready for Italy

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Purdue men's basketball team is gearing up for their trip to Italy. The Boilers tip-off competition overseas on August 9 against All-Star Italy.

"I'm very excited to go over there," said Purdue Sophomore forward Jacob Lawson. "It's something that I have never done before to go overseas. It will be a good experience for us."

The team has been taking part in a 10 day practice schedule, as they prepare for the trip. The team is excited to finally play against another team instead of themselves.

"It gets kind of old beating up on each other everyday, and so when you get to go against someone else it gets real fun," said Purdue Senior guard Dru Anthrop. "Anytime you can play some games in exhibition you can see a lot of strengths and weaknesses a little more than what you can see in practice. The game like scenarios help to get you ready for the season."

This trip also allows the freshmen to play key minutes in game situations as they work on building chemistry with their new teammates.

"They play really physical over there and that is how the Big Ten is also. It's going to be really interesting for these young guys to get that experience," said Purdue Junior guard Terone Johnson.

"It's going to be a good experience for us to get out there. It's going to be a good learning experience too," said Purdue Senior guard/forward D.J. Byrd. "Sometimes when you get a crowd around you, you tend to turn the ball over or take a bad shot. So, it's all about keeping your composure and playing through that."

The Boilers will play a total of four games during their 10 day trip. They will return on August 17.

Purdue's schedule:

-Purdue vs. All-Star Italy/August 9, 7:30 pm ET

-Purdue vs. Lithuanian second division club Atletas Kaunas/August 12, 7:30 pm ET

-Purdue vs. Vicenza All-Star/August 14, 8 pm ET

-Purdue vs. Amici del Campetto/August 16, 8 pm ET