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Strengthening the Bond By Matthew Weitzel T he University of Iowa men's basketball trip to Cancun last week was more than an opportunity to play challenging opposition. It was time for the team to focus on basketball and bond with teammates away from home. "The purpose of this trip was for us to try to win a championship, but also get out and see the world and showcase our talents outside the country," said co-captain Roy Devyn Marble. Once the team arrived at the Moon Palace Resort, it began the routine of film sessions and practice until the championship game. Iowa defeated Western Kentucky, 63-55, in the semifinals, but fell to Wichita State in the finals, 75-63. "We treated this like a business trip," said head coach Fran McCaffery after Iowa's win over Western Kentucky. "After we play our games, we will be able to do some fun things. A tournament like the Cancun Challenge, it's in a great venue with a terrific setting. We watched film multiple times, made sure the guys ate right, stayed hydrated with the warm weather, and got the proper rest." Zach McCabe said that being able to focus solely on basketball and be surrounded by teammates every day in a scenic setting was a positive experience. "When you're away, you talk more with each other and do more activities together," said McCabe. "Our team meshes well, unlike any other team I've been on." Iowa fought in the championship game, but ultimately came up short. Three Hawkeyes scored 21 combined points in the two games: Mike Gesell, Roy Devyn Marble and Eric May. Aaron White and Marble were named to the all-tournament team. "Despite the loss in the championship, the team will learn and grow from this experience," said senior co-captain Eric May. McCaffery pointed out that competing in tournaments such as the Cancun Challenge has a big recruiting benefit. "When you recruit a student-athlete, they want to play in these tournaments — to have a chance to Freshman Mike Gesell believes the days away from play games at a destination that they may never visit again in their life," said McCaffery. "Being Iowa was a chance to spend more time with his able to have families travel down here and play in teammates. front of them is also special." "We already had good team chemistry before After two weeks on the road, the Hawkeyes return this trip, but what I think this trip does is that it strengthens it," Gesell said. "Most of us have never to Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena Saturday, Dec. 1, when they host Texas A&Mbeen out of the country, so this tournament was a perfect opportunity to experience another culture, Corpus Christi. Tip-off is set for 12:05 p.m. (CT). bond with each other and compete against highquality competition." 35