Davis, Calif. - When United Airlines flight 336 departs San Francisco International Airport on Monday morning, it will carry a UC Davis men's basketball team that has waited years to board.

The Aggies are bound for a 10-day European tour from August 15-25 that will see them visit Italy and Croatia while playing four games against professional European teams. The team will chronicle the trip on its Twitter and Instagram accounts. 

UC Davis will face Italian team Orange1 Basket Bassano on Aug. 18 and Croatian teams KK Kastela on Aug. 20, KK Alkar Sinj on Aug. 21, and KK Dubrovnik on Aug. 24, as well as 10 extra practices. In between basketball, the Aggies have an itinerary with plenty of time earmarked for tours, day trips, and opportunities to experience new cultures. 

"We've gone through a lot the last two years and I was really proud of how these guys handled just a wave of adversity," Les said. "They kept a great attitude about themselves, they stayed together, and they kept working. This is the culmination and what I think is a great reward for what they had to endure. Many of our guys haven't been out of the United States and to have this opportunity to experience new cultures and new people and a different way of life across the world is just a great experience I'm happy they're getting to partake in after what they've had to endure the last couple years."

College basketball generally doesn't allow players to study abroad due to the length of the season, offseason time commitment, and academic obligations. In light of that, the NCAA allows international trips once every four years. The Aggies have been preparing for the last four years and had planned to take the trip two years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be postponed. 

From a basketball perspective, the trip couldn't come at a better time for Les' Aggies. UC Davis features eight returners and will be integrating seven newcomers.

"There isn't a better time in my opinion," Les said. "Not only will it be great team and culture building off the floor but also a great opportunity to get a jump start on the season this summer with basically a brand new team." 

All of the teams UC Davis will face are in the middle of training camps, giving the Aggies a chance to face live game situations they wouldn't otherwise at this time of year. 

"We're getting there at a really good time," Les added. "Basketball has become a global game and we've seen it in the NBA with all the European players that are making an impact. We get a chance to go in their backyard and play some really good teams and experienced players. It'll be a really good competitive test for us."

Les also pointed to the shorter 24 second shot clock that will force the Aggies to pressure and play with pace, two things Les sees happening with the simplified, defense-first system UC Davis has prioritized in the offseason. 

"I like the size and physicality of our team," Les said. "We've added size, athleticism, and we've added skill. Now it's just a matter of meshing together. I really like the makeup of this team and I'm excited to see how they're going to do in this European setting."