Monday, June 04, 2012

Valparaiso forward Bobby Capobianco (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland [Indiana]) is one of 10 players currently on tour with the U.S. Eagles Men’s Basketball Team, traveling in East Asia to compete with high-level and professional teams in several large cities.

“I am looking forward to using basketball to meet new people and help spread God's word,” said Capobianco.  “Also, this allows me to travel places I have never been and experience new things and cultures.”

The trip is a cultural exchange that supports the development of basketball on an international level. Beyond the thrill of competition, the Eagles seek to serve their opponents by offering training that will help them improve their basketball skills and develop a more western playing style.

In addition to basketball training, players for the Eagles will be involved in a leadership development program designed to promote integrity and character both on and off the court.

Universities represented on the roster besides Valparaiso include Murray State, Saint Louis, Tennessee Tech, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt and Washington.  In addition, Jon Diebler, brother of Crusader assistant coach Jake, is also on the squad.  The team is being coached by Washington assistant Paul Fortier.