Springfield College men’s hoop to play in Japan in July

Date: 4/28/2014

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield College men’s basketball team has been invited by the Japan Basketball Association for a six-day trip this July in which the Pride will play several games against the Japanese young Men’s National team squad.

“The Springfield College men’s basketball program and the entire Springfield College community is very excited and honored for the opportunity to travel to Japan and play three friendly games,” head coach Charlie Brock said. “We look forward to playing against international competition, celebrating the Japan Basketball Association’s 100 year basketball anniversary, and promoting the sport of basketball.”

The Pride will arrive in Japan on July 17 and play three games in Japan from July 19 to July 21 in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Springfield College was invited on this trip because of its rich history with the YMCA, as well its reputation worldwide as the Birthplace of Basketball.

Springfield will send over a squad of 12 players to compete on the international stage. Over the past two seasons, Springfield has owned a record of 39-17 and made consecutive trips to the NCAA Division III Championship for the first time since 1998.

“Springfield College is honored that the Japan Basketball Association has invited our men’s basketball team to participate in a series of friendly games this summer in preparation for Tokyo hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020,” Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper said. “ Our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete against Japan’s national basketball team and will be exposed to a diverse culture. Springfield College has demonstrated strong international relations with universities in Japan for many years and the College is proud to assist with the promotion, development, and strengthening of basketball in Japan.”

The last time that the Springfield College men’s basketball program traveled overseas was in 1991 during a trip to Ireland, as it participated in the Limerick Treaty 300 International Basketball Tournament as part of the “100th Anniversary of Basketball” at Springfield College.