Here’s a quick update on the Dickinson State men’s basketball team’s trip to China according to an e-mail from head coach Ty Orton.
On its second day, the team visited Tiananmen Square and ate “unique foods†in the alley food shops nearby. Needless to say, senior Nathan Lebsock and freshman Zach Edward didn’t enjoy their fish and brains combo meal.
Everywhere the players go, they have been asked to take numerous photos “This adds 15 to 20 minutes of extra time at every place we venture to. The people are impressed with the size of our guys and that they happen to play basketball,†Orton said.
On their third and fourth days, the Blue Hawks spent time at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in Yangling and played in two basketball games. “The tour was fun and very informative for the players and coaches,†Orton said.
The teams first game was played in front of 4,000 students who Orton said took off a national holiday to stay and watch the game. Orton said he was told the university turned away more than 8,000 students who wanted to watch the game in the packed facility. “The game was a great success and everyone involved enjoyed the experience,†he said.
Sophomore Matt Lee was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Blue Hawks won 82-67.
The team played in game with mixed teams on their fourth day.
On the fifth day, yesterday, Orton said the team was having trouble finding an Internet connection or cellphone reception.
View more team photos on their Flickr page.
Dustin Monke 