Summer foreign tours in college basketball are important for team bonding as much as anything. But these trips are invaluable for coaches bringing in key newcomers.
For Minnesota coach Richard Pitino's case, that means seeing whether freshmen Kevin Dorsey and Jordan Murphy can handle big roles, starting with the team's trip to Spain from Aug. 10-20.
The Gophers, who travel to Barcelona and Madrid, will play four exhibition games against club teams starting on Aug. 13.
Pitino noticed in workouts and practices that Dorsey, a point guard from Maryland, and Murphy, a forward from San Antonio, likely can help the team immediately this season.