DULUTH, Minn. – The reigning NCAA Division II Central Region champion University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team is not slated to open its season until November, but the team will have an opportunity to get some early competition in while taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the same time.
 
The Bulldogs will depart for Madrid, Spain Monday morning. During the 10-day trip, UMD will play four games against Spanish Club Teams and when they are not in action the team will be taking in the sights of Madrid, Toledo, Valencia and Barcelona.
 
"Our program is extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity ahead," said UMD Head Men's Basketball Coach Justin Wieck. "This trip to Spain will benefit our team on the court, but more importantly will be an experience of a lifetime. Our student-athletes get a chance to visit three of the most beautiful cities in the world, experience a new culture, and create lifelong memories with their teammates. We look forward to the tough competition and experience ahead over the next 10 days."
 
The international trip to participate in competition is allowable by the NCAA once every four years. The men's basketball program self-fundraised for this unique experiment including student-athletes working summer camps over the last several years to embark on this memorable journey. The program last took part in an international trip in 2019 to Costa Rica. 
 
Follow along as we recap their experiences at umdbulldogs.com, X/Twitter (@UMDBulldogMBB), Instagram (@bulldogsmbb), and Facebook (http://facebook.com/UniversityOfMinnesotaDuluthMensBasketball).