NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona College men's basketball will travel to Greece from August 19-30 and play five exhibition games as part of a summer foreign tour heading into the upcoming 2021-22 season. Expectations are high for the Gaels under second-year head coach and Naismith Hall of Famer
Rick Pitino as the program looks to defend its MAAC tournament title for the sixth straight time.
The Maroon & Gold take on four high-level teams during the trip, competing against Ionikos Nikaias, Lavrio, Panathinaikos and Peristeri. Dates and times for the games are still being determined. The Gaels will take on Peristeri twice along with single games against the three other teams. All four teams compete in the Greek Basketball League, the highest level in the country and one of the top three domestic leagues in Europe, as ranked by FIBA. Panathinaikos also competes in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague against the top teams throughout the continent. The EuroLeauge's popularity and competition level is among the best in the world, sitting only behind the United States' National Basketball Association (NBA). Coach Pitino led Panathinaikos for two seasons prior to becoming head coach at Iona last season. He also served as head coach for Greece's national team for last month's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to learn, grow and bond together as we prepare for the upcoming season," said Coach Pitino. "The ability to train and compete against some of the highest-level competition in the world will be a great measuring stick as we look to continue Iona's success and the process of elevating the program to another level."
The Gaels will be staying in Athens for the majority of the trip. Off days will consist of training and recovery and visiting culturally significant sites in the area. The team returns home in time to begin the 2021 Fall semester at Iona College.
The trip allows the team to practice for 10 days prior to departure. Special "bon voyage" events for season ticket holders and Goal Club members will be held on campus and announced in the coming days. The non-conference portion of Iona's 2021-22 schedule is shaping up and will also be announced shortly.
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