Here’s what we know about Maryland basketball’s trip to Italy

Maryland men’s basketball embarks on a 10-day Italy trip on Saturday, getting a jump-start on the season with three exhibition games.

While the tour itself has been public knowledge since January, but now we know what type of competition the Terps will face as well. Throughout a four-city tour of Rome, Florence, Venice and Como from Aug. 4-13, Maryland will play the Rome All-Stars on Aug. 6, Pisa All-Stars on Aug. 8 and the Netherlands National “B” Team on Aug. 11.

In preparation for the tour, head coach Mark Turgeon has had the luxury of getting 10 practices in and starting to get an understanding of what type of team he’ll have on his hands.

“I can’t imagine us starting October with this group. I’d be a nervous wreck,” Turgeon told reporters Thursday. “This is really going to help me relax because now I know what I have, which should help our recruiting from here. I’ve been able to work with these cats. And then I’ll see them in a game situation, so I’ll know what I need to add to next year’s team.”

While any losses accrued in Italy are a non-issue, the chemistry developed and plays the team is able to install should carry over to the season. According to Turgeon, the Terps have already installed his man defense, a zone, a press, inbounds defense and some post double teams, as well as at least a zone offense for the trip.

“I’ve probably overwhelmed them just so it will be a little bit easier in October,” Turgeon said. “I’m not really concerned if we lose in Italy or not. ... We’ve taught them multiple positions and I think it’s kind of just them getting a feel for me, me getting a feel for them. I feel like we’ve gotten a lot done.”

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