Fox Cities News

The Lawrence University men’s basketball team is preparing for a significant journey as they embark on a 10-day trip to Greece, departing on June 16. The Vikings will play three games during their visit, but head coach Casey Korn hopes the experience will be transformative for his players.

"The mission of our program, it's about people, it's about experiences, it's about relationships," Korn stated. "We are hoping to give them a core memory, a lifelong memory."

Korn previously experienced an international trip with UW-Oshkosh and witnessed its benefits firsthand. "I was fortunate enough to go on one of these with the Oshkosh program, and I have no idea how we did in the games," he said. "I can give you some very detailed stories about the tours."

The Vikings are scheduled to compete against Maroussi B.C., Athens Select, and Doukas B.C. over eight days. Sophomore guard Hogan Demovsky emphasized that while winning is important, the primary focus is on enjoying Greece and building memories.

"We're still trying to win the games when we go to Greece," Demovsky noted. "You can play basketball games in Appleton, Wisconsin, but we're going to Greece."

Several team members have not traveled outside the United States before this trip. However, RJ Gamble and Nicolas Manzanera have prior international travel experience. The itinerary includes visits to historical sites such as the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium, along with a cruise around Santorini.

"I'm pumped. I'm most looking forward to the boat tour," said Gamble.

Sophomore Thomas Dimitros hails from Athens and looks forward to guiding his teammates through his home country. "I feel blessed and lucky...that I have met them and they helped me a lot when I needed someone back in the United States," Dimitros shared.

Another player with Greek heritage is Nicholas Gouriotis from Elgin, Illinois. This trip marks his first visit to Greece and his first time flying.

Coach Korn believes such experiences enrich students' lives beyond academics or athletics alone: "We want our guys to understand the experience of where the ball is taking us."

Fans can follow Lawrence men's basketball's journey across Greece on social media platforms including Facebook at Lawrence University Men's Basketball; X @LUVikingsMBB; Instagram; and TikTok at luvikingsmbb.