Foreign Blog: Edition II
Foreign Blog: Edition II
Arkansas won its opener during its foreign tour with a convincing 108-59 decision in Valencia Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning, the group had breakfast, packed and began its trek to Barcelona. The nearly four-hour trip northeast along the coast presented some phenomenal scenery which helped the trip seem a little shorter.
While some took in the sights, overall, there were two distinct groups on the two buses.
One group used the ride to sleep as many are still adjusting to the seven-hour time difference. While we departed at 11 am, that is still 4 am back in Fayetteville.
The second group consisted of the coaches, staff and GA’s breaking down the previous night’s win and compiling numerous charts and reports. As Coach Eric Musselman indicated last night, the team did some things well but there were many teachable moments.
The buses arrived in the heart of Barcelona around 4 pm and the team had some free time to explore this thriving and vibrant city before a team meeting at 7 pm.
Afterwards, assistant coach Keith Smart pulled aside players from his “pod” to show some of those positives and negatives to help them improve in preparation for game two on Thursday in Barcelona.
Gameday Thursday, much like gameday Tuesday, will still have its share of fun with a guided tour of Barcelona, including several of the venues from the 1992 Olympics. The team will return to the hotel for pregame meal and lock-in for game two, set for 8:30 pm / 1:30 pm CT.
Some eye-opening moments in Spain:
MAKHI MITCHELL (on the court): The atmosphere and speed of the game are way different. (The Europeans’) footwork is incredible and their passing is incredible.
MAKHEL MITCHELL (off the court): First, the food is a lot different, and the number of drinks choices are limited. Plus, the drink serving sizes are smaller, there is less ice and most time there are no refills. I also enjoyed the beach and how the population is always out, active and enjoying what they are doing.
The ride from Valencia to Barcelona:
MAKHI MITCHELL: I slept the whole way.
MAKHEL MITCHELL: I slept the whole way too, but it was tough because the bus was hot.
What did you learn after watching film:
MAKHI MITCHELL: We can get a lot better. There is always room for improvement. We just have to continue taking things day-by-day and incorporate all the things we learn from these games when we return to practices.
MAKHEL MITCHELL: Film is so valuable. It doesn’t lie and you can learn from your mistakes. We didn’t watch much film at our previous school, so it is great to have coaches work with us. I’m excited to get better individually and as a team.
First impressions of Barcelona:
MAKHI MITCHELL: There were a lot of restaurants next to our hotel in Valencia, but they mainly served local dishes. I think I lost a few pounds there. Barcelona is much different. It is much more of an American-type city, a little like New York City. So, our first meal in Barcelona was Five Guys and I think I got those pounds back in one meal.
MAKHEL MITCHELL: We also walked around the city. There are all the major designer stores, like the ones in Beverly Hills, right outside our hotel. There is a constant flow of people and traffic is very active. But mostly, we can’t wait to play again tomorrow.
