ANN ARBOR -- If you're wondering why the Michigan men's basketball team is flying to Spain on Friday, the answer may boil down to one word: practice.
The Wolverines are taking advantage of an NCAA rule that allows basketball teams to travel overseas before the season, every four years, provided they play international competition.
While the trip will include sightseeing and other cultural experiences, the on-court benefits shouldn't be understated. Michigan is allowed 10 additional practices in advance of the trip. "It's a great head start," head coach John Beilein said in June.
Once in Madrid and Barcelona, the Wolverines should face some good competition.