May 10, 2011
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Summer workouts and the Prime Time League will not be the only opportunities for seniors Bryce Cartwright and Matt Gatens to work on improving their basketball skills. The duo has also been chosen to represent the United States on the East Coast All-Star Team that will compete in the Four Nations Cup in Tallinn, Estonia, in August.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” said Cartwright. “I get to practice and play with some of the best players in the country. Being able to play with student-athletes from different conferences, meeting new people and competing against international players will be a great experience.”
Cartwright and Gatens depart for Williamsport, Pa., for a two-day training camp July 31-Aug. 1. After spending the second of August traveling to Estonia, the team will have an opportunity to go on a sightseeing tour on Aug. 3. Estonia is located west of Russia and south of Finland.
Cartwright, who averaged 10.9 points and led the Big Ten with 123 conference assists last season, has never stepped foot outside U.S. soil and wants to take advantage of this opportunity to its fullest.
“I want the full experience,” said Iowa’s starting point guard. “I want to embrace this opportunity and enjoy it. It’s going to be fun to see the different culture overseas.”
After a day of sightseeing, the team will scrimmage on the Aug. 4 before three straight days of international competition. The U.S. faces Georgia (Aug. 5), Estonia (Aug. 6) and Sweden (Aug. 7) before returning to the States on Aug. 8.
“This is an opportunity for Bryce and I to see a different part of the world, travel, and meet and play with different guys against top international competition,” said Gatens.
Cartwright and Gatens both have aspirations to continue their playing careers professionally after next season and both believe this will be a terrific chance to get their name out internationally.
“Hopefully this experience and trip will give me an edge in getting my name out there in the international circles,” Cartwright said.
“My goal has always been to play in the NBA, but if that doesn’t work out there are other opportunities overseas,” Gatens said. “This will be good for me, in case I go down that road, to get exposure and meet new people.”
The backcourt duo thinks tackling this opportunity together will allow them to have an even better feel for each other on the court in the Hawkeyes’ upcoming 2011-12 season.
“This experience should help us be even more in sync on the court next year,” said Cartwright. “It’s going to be really fun.”
Schedule
July 31: Training Camp
Aug. 1: Training Camp
Aug. 2: Travel to Tallinn, Estonia
Aug. 3: Sightseeing Tour
Aug. 4: Scrimmage
Aug. 5: East Coast All-Stars vs. Georgia
Aug. 6: East Coast All-Stars vs. Estonia
Aug. 7: East Coast All-Stars vs. Sweden
Aug. 8: Travel back to the United States