NCAA Basketball: Indiana, Colorado and Iona playing abroad for 2021-22 preseason

Iona in Greece

Iona will be heading to Greece (Aug. 19-30)  where they will play five exhibition games against four professional basketball teams. The Gaels will compete against Ionikos Nikaias, Lavrio, Panathinaikos, and Peristeri (two games).

“It’s a very special time to bond with your team and practice with your team, and Greece adds a special dimension,” coach Rick PItino said. “Usually, you don’t get great competition on these foreign trips. We’re going to play against four Division 1 great teams, and one team plays in the EuroLeague, my ex-team. To play five games in seven days in Athens against professional teams, it’s an amazing experience. Culturally, it doesn’t get any better than Greece. This trip, the experience, the competition — it’s the trip of a lifetime for these young men.”

Iona returns their top four scorers, led by Isaiah Ross, from a last year’s squad that went 12-6 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Pitino also brought in five newcomers including Louisville transfer Quinn Slazinski.

St. Bonaventure will host Canisius Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Reilly Center. There are rumors swirling around that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski will toss the jump ball.

Gonzaga will reportedly host Merrimack on Dec. 9 in Spokane