The UNM men's basketball team will head north of the border to Vancouver, Canada to compete in a three-day series of exhibition games over fall break.
Nestled in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Vancouver is a long way from home for the youth-powered Lobos. Throughout the trip, the team will embark on two completely separate journeys off the hardwood. Not only are the Lobos taking their first team trip out of the country, but seven Lobos will make their first appearances in the cherry and silver this weekend.
The Lobos will play Simon Fraser University, the University of Calgary, Trinity Western University and the Vancouver All-Star team over a three-day span.
UNM will be challenged by SFU's Pasha Bains, who scored 33 points on Sunday in the Clan's 77-79 overtime loss to Southern Methodist University in Vancouver.
The Trinity Western Spartans opened the season with a 96-84 win last weekend over the University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops, British Columbia. Forward John Lundgren had 29 points for Trinity Western, while guard Adam Friesen put up 24.
The University of Calgary's season debut will be this week against UNM.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
For the Lobos, the games have little to do with winning, losing or bragging rights, but rather team chemistry and experience.
"These games don't count," head coach Ritchie McKay said. "It's just an opportunity for our guys to get more games under their belt with real jerseys and all of that. That's the best thing this trip provides."
With nine new faces on the team, this trip will give the Lobos an early look at where they will stand coming into the 2003-04 season. It will also give the freshmen, transfers and walk-ons an introduction to a higher level of competition than what they have experienced before.
"It's just important for us to get the experience our new players haven't had," senior co-captain Ryan Ashcraft said. "We have three or four freshmen and two transfers and a couple walk-ons. It'll be good for us to get on the court before the season starts."
When the Lobos return to their home soil, they will have a chance to work on their team chemistry on and off the court.
"We'll get some game experience and then we'll be able to come back and work on our weaknesses before we start the season," Ashcraft said." Getting experience is the biggest part of going up there."
Despite being together all summer and fall, the Lobos' first road trip could be an indication of their success later in the season.
McKay said the biggest challenge UNM players face right now is getting to know one another.
"We have nine new players," he said. "And it's a challenge when you have that many new guys - especially when you're expecting them to contribute."
McKay said the team members are still learning how to complement one another.
"It's just a challenge because of the newness of everything," he said. "I'm concerned about how quickly we blend because we need to blend quickly."
