Kentucky to Play Four Japanese Basketball Teams This Summer
The University of Kentucky basketball team will play in a tournament and compete against four Japanese teams during its two-week visit to Japan this summer, according to the school’s sports information office.
The Wildcats will leave June 18 for Tokyo, where they will play in the Kirin World Basketball Tournament on June 21-22. National teams from Japan, Czechoslovakia and Finland also will participate.
Kentucky also will play Japanese teams at Sendai on June 24, Niigata on June 26, Ohtsu on June 28 and Sapporo on June 29. A game in Hong Kong on July 2 is tentatively planned before returning to Lexington on July 4.
“First of all, it’s a great learning experience. Our players will have a chance to get a good look at a different culture and a different way of life,” said Kentucky coach Eddie Sutton of the trip. “Secondly, it will make us a better basketball team. We’ll have a chance to compete against some excellent competition.
“Plus, trips like this can bring a team closer together since they are traveling as a family for a two-week period.”
Sutton said the Wildcats will practice for 10 days, beginning June 8, before departing for Japan.
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