May 16, 2002
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team is wrapping up a week of practices in preparation for a 12-day trip to Italy, Monaco and France, beginning May 21 and continuing through June 1. During their European tour, the Irish are scheduled to visit the fabled Italian cities of Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Milan, along with the French Riviera destinations of Monte Carlo and Nice.
Notre Dame will play four Italian club teams on its tour, competing under International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules. Some of the rule changes the Irish will have to adjust to include: playing with the larger ball used in men’s games, a free throw lane that is wider around the basket (trapezoid-shaped), a longer three-point shot (20 feet, six inches, vs. 19-9 in the college game), a 24-second shot clock (vs. 30 seconds in college), an eight-second backcourt rule and no alternating possession arrow on held balls (all of which result in jump balls).
“We’re thrilled to have the chance to go overseas and play in such an awe-inspiring setting,” Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw said. “This trip will give our team a unique opportunity to develop and grow, not only athletically, but culturally and spiritually as well.
“We are also extremely fortunate to have an administration which has been totally behind this trip,” McGraw continued. “It’s gratifying to know we have such a large base of support from our athletic department.”
While the Irish are in Europe, the Notre Dame athletics website (www.und.com) will provide daily updates on the team’s travels. Rising sophomore guard Kelsey Wicks (Gillette, Wyo./Campbell County HS) will provide regular diary entries and statistics and photos from all four of the Irish games will be available. For reference purposes, Rome is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (which is currently equivalent to Central Daylight Time).
— ND —