:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47015442/Screen_Shot_2015-08-23_at_6.09.03_PM.0.0.png)
Many hours after their offseason voyage to Spain started, the Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball team arrived earlier this morning and got right to work. Chris Collins' team, right after checking into its hotel, immediately went sightseeing in the capital of Madrid and even held a practice ahead of its first game tomorrow against CB Estudiantes.
The #B1GCats took a walking tour of Madrid this afternoon following their arrival. #GolpeaLaRoca pic.twitter.com/o8k2n6MCKE
— NU Men's Basketball (@NUMensBball) August 23, 2015
However, the travel day was not without its hiccups, as the Wildcats were aparently detained in a Spanish airport this morning, according to associate director of athletic communications Nick Brilowski. As the Spaniards say, no bueno.
Getting detained by police is a lovely way to start this trip. Viva España!
— Nick Brilowski (@NickBrilowski) August 23, 2015
On the bright side, center Alex Olah and forward Gavin Skelly may have futures in broadcasting once their basketball careers end. Each of them played big roles in the funny video the team made about its first day of the trip, which was tweeted out by the NU Men's Basketball twitter account. Olah does some of the behind-the-camera filming while Skelly appears as an on-air personality.
Watch a recap of the #B1GCats journey to Spain so far! #PoundTheRock #GulpeaLaRoca http://t.co/I9iC0Cpj8H
— NU Men's Basketball (@NUMensBball) August 23, 2015
Here's a short video from the end of practice:
When they weren't preparing for their first actual game since the Big Ten Tournament, the Wildcats took in some of the beautiful history and scenery Madrid has to offer. Forward Sanjay Lumpkin also showed off his artsier side in showcasing a traditional European cobblestone street on Instagram.
Northwestern will be playing a total of five games over the duration of the trip, which concludes on September 1st, when the Wildcats will head back to Evanston. Every day, we'll be documenting the travels and happenings of the team, so be sure to follow along.
More Photos