Mechelen, Belgium — Follow WPI Men’s Basketball international trip in Europe with blog updates from head men’s basketball coach Chris Bartley.
May 22 – What a great way to end a great trip! We exploded on offense scoring 116 points vs. the Mechelen Kangaroos, who were missing a couple key players. With that result, we were 3-0 in our trip to Europe. Our team played extremely hard with a fast pace all week. I liked how we played WPI defense with a high octane and unselfish brand of offense that was hunting three-point shots and drives to the hoop. Beyond the basketball and learning about European culture, the trip was an awesome team bonding experience. Our team built on already strong friendships and created memories for a lifetime. The head of the tour commented, “In all my years I have never seen a team with such a zest for life, and an ability to squeeze every second out of each day.” That we did. We just boarded for the flight home. A big thank you to everyone that made this trip possible. Photos
May 20/21 – We are back on the court tonight for an 8:30 PM game vs. Mechelen Kangaroos. On Monday we visited Amsterdam, a city full of bicycles, boats, and a unique vibe. After a boat tour and sightseeing we returned to Mechelen. This morning was somber as we visited Kazerne Dossin, a museum in Mechelen in the same space as a prison which kept Jews and anti-regime members locked away. Trains would then take the prisoners to various concentration camps. We then took a bus to Breendonk, one of the few concentration camps in Belgium. The guided tour was powerful for our team, and we have gained so much from experiencing this together. A special thank you to Alex Gutierrez, our assistant SID. He has done a great job capturing moments on this memorable trip for our program. Photos
May 19 – To our WPI Basketball fans, families, and friends–bonjour from Paris. What a day it was. We started with a team photo at the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed a boat cruise to view the historical sights of the city. Apparently, WPI hoops is big in France because everyone on the other boats were waving to us. Or maybe they just all know who Coach Kahleb Downing ’22 is? Our staff enjoyed meeting with Karl Barkley, the owner of D3 Direct, to talk about d3 basketball and recruiting. He has great insight on the world of d3 athletics. We finished the day with some shopping and more laughs on the bus to get back to Belgium. Photos
May 18 – On Saturday we traveled to Cologne, Germany and saw the famous Cologne Cathedral which began construction in 1248 and has two 515-foot towers. We enjoyed a team meal together with a classic German lunch of schnitzel and pork knuckles. Good call by Coach Riley on the knuckles. We ended the day with some more sightseeing taking in the German culture. Big day on Sunday as we head to Paris! Bonjour la France. Photos
May 17 – Today we visited the bustling city of Brussels. We enjoyed viewing the Royal Palace and the vibrant Grand Place, an area known for incredible architecture and shopping. Coach Zhou picked up a sweet jacket at the store “Super Dry”. After a long day walking, we headed to Leuven for a 9 PM game versus the Leuven Bears and their raucous fans. In an intense and physical game, we were able to seize control and win 72-53. After the contest we enjoyed spending time with our opponent’s families and staff and learning more about their program and city. We appreciate the hospitality and competition from the Leuven Club. On Saturday we take a day trip to the city of Cologne in Germany. Photos
May 16 – It was a day with a great start and great finish for WPI Basketball. We started the day with a trip to the majestic city of Brugge. A city bursting with culture, commerce, and canals throughout. After lunch we all enjoyed a version of the famous Belgian waffle. I ended up wearing some of mine. We then rode out to play BC Oostende in the beautiful Coretec Dome, a 15,000 seat arena. In a game of runs, we were able to make key plays down the stretch to win 77-65. Four players scored in double figures and our team defense was solid. We thank the Oostende Club for the hospitality and competition. Off to Brussels tomorrow! Photos
May 15 – We have arrived in Belgium! The team flew into Amsterdam this morning and took a chartered bus ride to the city of Mechelen. After a short rest and a walk through the city, we headed to the Mechelen Kangaroos Club Team facility for a 75-minute practice. Following practice, we enjoyed a team meal, and some more sightseeing of the city along the canal. After a coaches meeting, the assistant coaches took me out to a local store so I could purchase a small shoulder bag. I am all in on this Europe thing now. Tomorrow we will be traveling to Bruges to play Oostende BC at 8 PM Belgium time (2 PM EST). Photos
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