Razorbacks gearing up for foreign tour to Spain

ROGERS — It was only the first two practices for Arkansas’ basketball team this year, but Coach Mike Anderson said he could tell a difference from one to the next.

“I thought the second day was a lot better than the first day,” Anderson said Thursday, speaking at the Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life Foundation luncheon.

The Razorbacks are getting an early start to their season with 10 practices on campus, which started Monday and continue next week, because they’re playing a foreign tour in Spain.

“The first practice was like an initial shock to these guys,” Anderson said. “First of all, they’re playing with a different ball.

“Then just going out and actually getting after it with everybody. The intensity picks up.”

The Razorbacks are practicing with a basketball used in international play, which players have said is slicker than the one they’re accustomed to in college.

“Our guys have gotten better with the ball as we’ve gone through practice,” Anderson said. “The funny thing about it is, we don’t know for sure what kind of ball we’re going to be playing with when we get over there to Spain.

“It could be similar to what we’re practicing with now, but it may be a composite ball or an all- leather ball. But the key is, the other teams will be shooting with the same ball as we are.”

The Razorbacks will play four exhibition games in Spain. Anderson said the first game likely will be against players 19 to 20 years old, but he expects other opponents will feature more seasoned professional players.

“I think the competition for the second, third and fourth games gets a lot better,” he said. “Spain, you’ve got to remember, is one of those places where basketball is very, very prevalent, and they have some of the better- paying pro teams over there.

“So we’re going to face some good talent, but I’m not as interested in the games. To me, the practices that we’re getting in are the most important thing.”

Arkansas, which will be in Spain from Aug. 6- 16, will visit Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

“We’ll have the opportunity to go out and experience the culture, the educational part of it,” Anderson said. “Our guys are going to get to see another part of the world.

“This is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

NWA Democrat- Gazette/ J. T. WAMPLER Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson will get a chance to see how his team responds against international competition when he takes the Razorbacks on a tour of Spain, where they’ll play four exhibition games.