#RollingThroughEurope
8/3/2022 9:31:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Men's Basketball Foreign Tour Blog
The Alabama men's basketball team embarked on a 10-day 2022 Summer Foreign Tour which included stops in Barcelona, Spain, and Paris, France. In addition to getting three victories in its three contests overseas against the Spain Select Team (W, 108-64), Lithuanian Men's B National Team (W, 120-61) and Chinese National Team (W, 89-77), the trip also featured activities and site-seeing almost every day in Europe. Each day's activities were documented below, including video highlights, photos, interviews and other items surrounding the day's events. We hope you enjoy! Roll Tide!
Day Eight: Saturday, Aug. 13
It was our final full day in Paris, and on the 2022 Foreign Tour. The entire team had a free day and we took full advantage.
Some of us went to the Paris St. Germaine soccer game and had a blast.
Some played golf at the world-famous Le Golf Nationale course that hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Some went to Disneyland Paris and enjoyed a beautiful day with Mickey and his friends,
Others did site-seeing and shopped.
One thing is for certain… while we are all anxious to get back to the United States and see our loved ones, we are sad in a way to leave. For many of our guys, this was a trip of a lifetime and something that will not be forgotten.
Below are some photos of our last day. We hope you enjoy!
This blog was meant to keep you up-to-date with the happenings of our men's basketball team. What you did not see is your program and the University of Alabama was well-represented and created a lot of Alabama basketball fans in Barcelona and Paris.
We hope you enjoyed following along and we are looking forward to seeing you all in Coleman Coliseum soon! RollTide!
Day Seven: Friday, Aug. 12
9 a.m. CEST – Wake up and breakfast! It’s Friday and it’s GAMEDAY! We have our toughest test in our final game of this year’s Tour when we face the Chinese National Team tonight. China is currently ranked No. 29 in the FIBA World Rankings and will certainly be our biggest challenge. Definitely important to get a good meal to start the day at the Café de la Paix.
9:45 a.m. – We departed the team hotel for our river cruise on the famous Siene River, which cuts right through the heart of Paris. It lasted just over an hour and was a terrific way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the city. Another great experience for our guys.
12 p.m. – After the cruise, we returned back to the hotel for a snack and some rest. Having played two games in two days as well as facing the Chinese National Team, ranked No. 29 in the world, will require us to get all the rest we need.
2:30 p.m. – Film and walk through with the team followed by a pregame meal. The guys are excited for this opportunity to see where we stand against a very good team that has four NBA players on its team. Highlighting the team is Zhou Qi who plays for the Houston Rockets. It will be an incredibly tough match-up but also a good test for our guys.
5:30 p.m. – The team departed the hotel for its final game of the Foreign Tour.
One final game on the Foreign Tour (tonight vs. China at 7:30pm CEST)! Let’s have some more fun! ????#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/ALNbTFEh3a
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 12, 2022
7:30-9:30 0.m. - We defeated the Chinese National Team in our final game to finish the Foreign Tour with a perfect 3-0 record. What a win and performance by our guys. China came into the game ranked No. 29 in the FIBA World Rankings and was easily our toughest competition. It was a great performance overall and a great feeling to end the trip on a high-note on the basketball court!
FINAL SCORE
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 12, 2022
?? 89
???? 77
The Tide finishes its Foreign Tour with a perfect 3-0 record, each victory coming by double digits!
Stats and more to come!#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball
Game photos ??#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/wf3kHsPpH4
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 12, 2022
Day Six: Thursday, Aug. 11
Gallery: 08-11-22 MBB Day 6 Paris, France
9 a.m. – Wake up and IT’S GAMEDAY!!
9:30 a.m. – The team met at the Café de la Paix for its world renown breakfast, and it certainly lived up to its billing. Delicious croissants, omelets, fresh fruit, and many other items were available at the buffet-style breakfast. Needless to say, our bellies were full afterwards and we were ready to begin our day.
10:15-11:45 a.m. – We departed our hotel for a trip to visit the Louvre Musuem. It’s the largest museum in the world and, if one spent 30 seconds at each painting, it would take 100 days to see every piece of art in the place. It’s home to famous art such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, among others (continued below)…
… but that was not it. Despite all the beautiful art work that was as many as thousands of years old in some instances did not match what was by far all of our favorite newest addition to the Louvre Museum!
Y'all... they DID hang it in the Louvre!!#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/JCAqDxXkFo
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 11, 2022
12:15 p.m – Once we had all accounted for from the Museum, we took the bus to our lunch spot, the Pink Momma. Unique name and once again, the food was on-point. As soon as we finished lunch, the guys found the Paris Pigalle Basketball Court, which is an artistically-painted court sandwiched right inbetween a pair of apartment buildings.
1:45 p.m. - After lunch and playing a little hoops with the locals, we returned to the hotel and started focusing on tonight's match-up against the Lithuania Men's “B” National Team.
5:30 p.m. - After a pregame meal and film review, we departed the team hotel for the Gymnase Andre Roche, which will be the gym we play in for each of the next two games. The trip took just about 40 minutes to get from the hotel to the gym. Once there, the team had to get ready in a soccer locker room because the Oklahoma women's team was also playing Lithuania in the game before we played.
7:30 p.m. - Tip off. And from the start, the Tide dominated! We had a great group of fans in attendance and they were having a good time watching that game. When the buzzer sounded, the Tide had its second straight big win, this time taking a 120-61 decision. Two games. Two wins. By a combined 103. Certainly a great start to the Tour.
10:30 p.m. - The team returned to the hotel for postgame meal, treatments and rest. We play a big one tomorrow with the Chinese National Team which is ranked No. 29 in the FIBA World Rankings coming into the contest. Should be a great test and a lot of fun for our guys.
First half dunk-fest ?? #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/iUzCcab8L8
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 11, 2022
Day Five: Wednesday, Aug. 10
Gallery: 08-10-22 MBB Day 5 Paris, France
Wednesday, 7 a.m. CEST - Buenas Dias and Good Morning! We woke up bright and early this morning to finish packing and load the bus as we fly to Paris to begin the last leg of our Foreign Tour. The team woke up and ate breakfast at 7 a.m., then departed the hotel by 8:15 a.m. to catch an 11:30 flight our of Barcelona's airport.
11:30 a.m. - The team boarded the plane and had a smooth nearly two-hour flight to Paris, landing safely at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time. After picking up our bags, we took a nearly one-hour ride from the airport in downtown Paris.
2:30 p.m. - We arrived at the hotel and ate a delicious lunch at the Cafe de la Paix - a famous landmark spot located right inside our hotel. The food and service was outstanding and it was quite the welcome to France! Ironically enough, we are staying at the same hotel as the Oklahoma men's basketball team, which we will obviously play in the SEC/BIG 12 Challenge during the season.
We even had a few fans give us a “RollTide!” as we entered the hotel and went to eat. There really are Alabama fans all over the world!
Made it safely to Paris ????#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/Hx4C2Srb1V
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 10, 2022
7:30 p.m. - The Crimson Tide players and staff departed the team hotel for a team dinner at L'Avenue a stop at the Eiffel Tower! What. A. Meal. From start to finish the food was outstanding, as was the service. A few folks at the restaurant recognized the Script A on our shirts and asked us about who and when we are playing. After an appetizer, main course and desert, we left with full bellies and looking forward to a great night of rest.
11 p.m. - Lights out and in the rooms. We have two games to play in the next two days, as well as some sight-seeing adventures. Should be a busy, but fun, next couple of days!
Day Four: Tuesday, Aug. 9
Gallery: 08-09-22 MBB Day 4 Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday, 9 a.m. CEST - It's our final day in Barcelona, which is definitely sad. However, it's also a free day and a lot of the guys are planning to enjoy themselves in what the city has to offer. We began the day by waking up and eating a team breakfast at the hotel.
1:30 p.m. - The team departed the hotel for lunch at the Barceloneta Restaurant. The food was once again very good. It was a mix of items we are used to eating along with some new dishes that were served to our guys. We ate right on the water front and the views were amazing.
3:30 p.m. - After lunch, we all had free time for the rest of the day. Most of the team began by making a short walk to the Barcelona beaches. It's nearing the 90 degree mark in Barcelona, which is considered well above average here, so the sand between the toes and cool water certainly felt good to all of those who went. Take a look at some of the fun things that we did on our final day in this beautiful city.
Easy Rider @nate_oats #RollTide | #BlueCollarBikers pic.twitter.com/eS95LYVQnc
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 9, 2022
10 p.m. - Return to hotel to rest up for what will be a travel day on Wednesday. We depart the city of Barcelona at 8 a.m. to catch an 11:35 a.m. flight from Barcelona to Paris. The team is expected to arrive at 1:30 p.m. and will have a afternoon full of adventures that we will be sure to keep you up to date!
Until next time, buenas noches/bonsoir/good evening.
Day Three: Monday, Aug. 8
Gallery: 08-08-22 MBB Day 3 Barcelona, Spain
Monday, 9 a.m. CEST - First off… IT'S GAMEDAY!! We began the day by getting up and eating breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Yes, the chocolate fountain, deli sandwiches and charcuterie board were all available for us once again this morning.
9:45-10:45 a.m. - We took an hour-long excursion as we walked around the neighborhood in which the team hotel is located. The architecture in Barcelona is astounding - the fine details of buildings and balconies give it character and a sense of history. Modern building stand next to buildings that have been in the same spot for over 100 years. The area we walked has a deep tradition of history and festivals, one of which the town is preparing for next weekend.
11 a.m. - The team returned to the hotel for a snack and to rest up for tonight's game!
The beautiful sites of Barcelona ??#RollTide pic.twitter.com/rr9hLPwqNP
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 8, 2022
1:40-2:30 p.m. - Prior to each game, the team watches game film on themselves and their opponent before eating their pregame meal. As such was the case for today's game. Despite the limited film on our opponent (Spain Select Team), the coaching staff worked diligently through their connections on scouting the squad as much as possible.
4 p.m. - Team departs hotel for the arena, arriving approximately 80 minutes before tipoff.
Just about that time ??
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 8, 2022
???? vs.???
11 a.m. CT (6 p.m. CEST)#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/FsN9Ba2YZT
6-8 p.m. - The Crimson Tide overcame a slow start and outscored Spain 81-34 over the final three quarters to capture a 108-64 in the team's first game of the Foreign Tour. Not many fans were there, however, we do have some of the player's parents in attendance cheering on Alabama. Even a former player, Dakota Slaughter, was in attendance! Whoever came to the game, we definitely appreciate it and we heard you all night!
9:30 p.m. - After showering and changing back at the hotel, we walked to dinner SALVAJE which was quite the experience. The waitresses were in fancy exotic outfits and would entertain the patrons with a dance every 30 minutes or so. Even our guys were up and dancing. It's great to see the players enjoying it by immersing themselves in the local culture. Also, winning by a bunch helps with the mood of things :).
Final Score:
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 8, 2022
?? 108
???? 64
Leading scorers
Rylan Griffen - 19, 5 asts
Brandon Milller - 19, 6 rebs
Noah Clowney - 12, 6 stls
Dom Welch - 11, 3 treys
Nimari Burnett - 10 pts, 5 asts#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/tOBxhSM4CN
Day Two: Sunday, Aug. 7
Gallery: 08-07-22 MBB Day 2 Barcelona, Spain
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. CEST - Wake Up!
8:30-9 a.m. - The team enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the team hotel, which was a little different than most breakfasts back in the States. Sure, it had some traditional items (eggs, waffles, sausage), but we were surprised to see a few other rarities, such as deli meats and sandwiches, fresh salmon, a charcuterie board and even had a chocolate fountain!
9:50 a.m. - Departed the team hotel for at the Parc Esportiu Llobregal gymnasium - the same place where we will face the Spain Select Team Monday night.
10:20a-12p - The team practiced for a little under two hours.
Now the work begins ??
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 7, 2022
Practice No. 1 ??#RollTide | #BlueColarBasketball pic.twitter.com/JuhBduGOTP
1:30-3p - After returning to the hotel and resting, the Tide departed the hotel for a short walk to the Bronzo Bar e Cucina which is a popular local eatery. The staff served a variety of local appetizers and dishes to give us a sample of everything on the menu.
3-6p - FREE TIME! The guys had a chance to walk around and enjoy the sites of Barcelona. Many of the guys went shopping at local stores, including a FC Barcelona store which some of the guys purchased team gear for the soccer match we were going to later in the evening. It was great to get out and meet the locals around the city. People here are very welcoming and happy to see us!
6:30-10p - The highlight of the day was definitely going to see FC Barcelona take on Pumas FC for the Joan Gamper Trophy. What an atmosphere as nearly 100,000 fans packed the famous Camp Nou Stadium. It was an incredible experience for our guys, many of which have never seen a professional soccer game.
Freak On The Streets: Barcelona Edition ???? #RollTide pic.twitter.com/3NLq4iNDsM
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 7, 2022
Travel Day/Day One: Friday, Aug. 5 & Saturday, Aug. 6
Gallery: Alabama MBB Travels to Barcelona, Spain
Friday, 10:30 a.m. CT - The team departed Coleman Coliseum for the three-hour trek to the Atlanta airport. The bus pulled up at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
2:30-3 p.m. ET - The entire travel party checked in and went through customs before arriving at the gate. We were there with a little over two hours before boarding the plane, so most of the team grabbed a quick bite to eat and waited at the gate to board.
5:15-6 p.m. ET - Flight boards to Barcelona, Spain, where the team is expected to land at approximately 10 a.m. local time (3 a.m. CT).
6:30 p.m. ET - Flight headed to Barcelona takes off from Atlanta
Saturday, 10 a.m. CEST (3 a.m. CT) - Alabama's flight lands at Barcelona National Airport
11:30 a.m. CEST (4:30 a.m. CT) - The Crimson Tide makes it safely to the team hotel
2:30 p.m. CEST - Alabama departs the team hotel of La Sagrada Familia - an historic church considered to be the symbol of Barcelona by many residents.
4:30 p.m. CEST - After leaving the historic church, Alabama took a tour of the city of Barcelona and many of its historic buildings, breathtaking views of the city and learned about the city's culture
7:45 p.m. CEST - After a nearly two-hour break to rest and relax, the team gathered in the lobby and walked approximately five minutes to a restaurant where we had our first team meal of the trip.
9 p.m. CEST - Return from dinner and in the rooms for the night.
?? Atlanta #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/ohr3M5KX8I
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 5, 2022
See y’all on the other side ???? ???? ?? #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/5pq1UJGgNH
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 5, 2022
Great visit at the famous Sagrada Familia#RollTide pic.twitter.com/tphEJ4Rm3X
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 6, 2022
Pre-Trip: Thursday, August 4
One day away from Europe ?
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) August 4, 2022
We asked our guys ???? vs.????. The responses ??? #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/m2G6CKFcrN
