May 11, 2012 XENIA, Ohio - Washington assistant men's basketball coach Paul Fortier will lead a group of Euroleague athletes and Division I athletes from around the country in a trip to East Asia this June, the U.S. Eagles Men's Basketball Team announced on Friday. Fortier, who just completed his seventh season at Washington, will coach the team of Americans against high-level and professional teams in several large cities. The Eagles' competition schedule is being finalized. "I'm looking forward to this experience of coaching this team and experiencing the culture of East Asia, a part of the world I have not seen," said Fortier. Also joining Fortier on the trip as an assistant coach is former UW basketball administrative assistant Don Vandenberge. The trip is a cultural exchange that supports the development of basketball on an international level. Beyond the thrill of competition, the Eagles seek to serve their opponents by offering training that will help them improve their basketball skills and develop a more western playing style. In addition to basketball training, players for the Eagles will be involved in a leadership development program designed to promote integrity and character both on and off the court. The only player with Northwest ties on the trip is Washington State's DaVonte Lacy. Other universities represented include: Murray State, Saint Louis, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tennessee Tech, Valparaiso and Vanderbilt. The trip is scheduled for June 3-17, beginning with a team training camp at Camp of the Woods in Speculator, N.Y. |
