It’s mostly hoops in today’s ACC Daily Digest. Let’s get right to it.
Ciao, Pitt!
First report by Jeff Goodman: Pittsburgh Basketball will trek to Italy this offseason in preparation of the 2019-20 season. Pitt will spend nine days — Aug. 5-14 — in Italy; according to NCAA rules, teams are allowed to take this abroad trips once every four seasons.
The Panthers can hold up to 10 practices, per NCAA rules, and play in a series of exhibition games.
This summer, @jeffcapel and @Pitt_MBB will be practicing and playing games in Italy. https://t.co/9Oxf7sTjY1 pic.twitter.com/234QfT7ITC
— Pgh Sports Now (@PghSportsNow) May 6, 2019
Jeff Capel is no dummy, either. This is a great idea for his team. Obviously, who doesn’t want to see Italy and eat some awesome food? And more specifically to basketball, Pittsburgh is a talented team, but one that lacks notable experience. With Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens leading the way, this could be a springboard trip to a program leap in 2020.
The extra time and experience are invaluable.
Four other ACC programs will also make offseason trips in the summer of 2019: Georgia Tech (Spain), Clemson (Italy), Miami (Italy) and Syracuse.
Syracuse also likely taking a foreign trip this year. Don’t have the specifics yet. https://t.co/Q9ARlrqiiB
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 6, 2019
G League Elite Camp: 8 ACC Players receive invites
The G League Elite Camp is set to take place later this week: May 12-14. For this NBA-sanctioned event, 40 draft-eligible players — ones not invited to the combine — will compete. Of that group, which is determined by a vote among teams, eight hail from the ACC, including several underclassmen.
The top performers of the G League Elite Camp can earn invitations to the combine, which is notable.
- Javin DeLaurier, Duke
- Terance Mann, FSU
- Dewan Hernandez, Miami
- Luke Maye, UNC
- Tyus Battle, Syracuse
- Oshae Brissett, Syracuse
- Mamadi Diakite, UVA
- Justin Robinson, Virginia Tech