VANCOUVER – The 2017-18 version of the UBC men's basketball team is getting an early jump on their season and it's definitely a 'departure' from a normal training camp. The 'Birds will be flying off to San Jose, Costa Rica for an exhibition game versus the NCAA's UTEP Miners (Aug. 18) and two against the Nevada Wolf Pack (Aug. 19, Aug. 20).
 
With a plethora of first-year players on their roster, an out of country excursion against front line competition is a perfect recipe for the team according to one of the  team's elder statesman.


 
"Being on the court helps with team chemistry, but it's also off the court. If we hang out in hotels rooms and on the beaches, we'll get to talk and get to know one another a little bit more," said senior forward Luka Zaharijevich. "In March, when games really matter we get to see who has the most team cohesion and team chemistry. These trips help with that."


 
UTEP finished 2016-17 with a 15-17 overall record and were dispatched by Middle Tennessee in the semi-final of the Conference USA tournament. Former NBA coach Eric Musselman coaches the Nevada Wolf Pack. The Wolf Pack sported a gaudy 29-6 overall record in 2016-17 and made it all the way to the NCAA Tournament, before being knocked out in the first round by Iowa State. 


 
"We have a good group of rookies who've really being going at it. This trip will be a good test for us," said third-year T-Bird guard Taylor Browne. "I'm really excited for the season."
 
The 'Birds will be without head coach Kevin Hanson and senior forward Conor Morgan for the trip to Costa Rica. Both Hanson and Morgan are in Taipei, Taiwan with Team Canada for the 2017 Summer Universiade.