Greek opponents and food were good, capping trip of a lifetime
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Butler coach Thad Matta on the Bulldogs’ final game of European trip
Butler basketball coach Thad Matta wraps up the Bulldogs’ final exhibition game in Athens.
Courtesy of Butler Athletics, Indianapolis Star
Editor’s note: Carmel’s John-Michael Mulloy submitted journal entries for IndyStar during the Butler Bulldogs’ tour of Italy and Greece. This is his final one.
Travel day to Greece
It was time to take our journey elsewhere as we started our seventh day overseas. Destination: Athens.
While some of our coaches and teammates had been to Italy before, Greece was going to be new for everyone. We were excited for another look at life in a different country. Many of us wondered if there was going to be another culture shock, and a lot of us wondered if the food was going to be good.
We started the day with a three-hour drive to Rome from Sorrento. Walking through the airport in the states can be difficult, but doing so in an airport of a foreign country is a different ballgame.
Many of us tried to use our new polished Italian when speaking. Many friendly Italians began to laugh and then spoke perfect English, telling us where to go . . . but at least we tried! Thankfully, we arrived at our gate on time and hopped on our flight to Athens. My highlight was securing an exit seat for this two-hour flight so I could comfortably fly the entire way and get a good nap.
Once we landed, we had to go through customs. Surprisingly enough, no stamps for our passports given by aggravated workers were needed. We basically hopped off the plane, and were good to go.
Welcome to Greece.
While we had to wait in a long line of Americans, Canadians, and citizens of the United Kingdom, our sole non-American teammate, Simas Lukosius, showed us why foreigners were superior in airports. The Lithuanian got in a line of his own with about three people in it; he was quite excited about that.
Once everyone was through, we met our bus driver and headed to the hotel for some sleep. Travel days really do sap your energy.
Game 3 (in Athens)
Day 8 was game day again, and we were excited to see different opponents. We also were excited to hear the game would be streamed live for friends and family to watch.
While the game was at 3 p.m. in Athens, our friends and family saw a morning game. Luckily this time, the gym was air-conditioned, and we were able to catch the ball without it slipping straight through our hands because of the sweat.
Before we tipped, Coach Matta had the same mission and challenge for us: Play Butler basketball, play for each other, go have fun.
We quickly learned the Greek team was a lot better than the Italian team. Most of these players were older, stronger, and, quite frankly, better than our previous opponents.
Our team was excited for this challenge and knew we had to play better. The score was tied at halftime, and we went into the locker room knowing we needed to step up. Coach was happy with how we were playing but said the other team was being more physical and making us play their game, not ours.
We took his words to heart and dictated the rest of the game, winning by 15. Coach was proud of how we handled the criticism and our business in the second half. It was promising to see how we faced adversity for the first time, as we will many more times throughout the season.
We ended the day watching the Greek national team play against Spain. All four Antetokounmpo brothers were there. It was amazing to see how much the Antetokounmpo family meant to the people of Greece.
Each time Giannis went in or was subbed out, he received a standing ovation, and the atmosphere was truly incredible. We were able to see how passionate Greeks are about basketball and obviously saw one of the best players in the world.
It was yet another moment of this trip that all of us will remember for a lifetime.
Better than beach day? The food
Day 9 was another one of rest and relaxation. We gathered on the bus and hung out on the beach for most of the day. Of course, I had to find the nearest stand that was selling sunscreen as my red hair and pale skin doesn’t fare well against the Mediterranean sun.
Some of us sunbathed and others got in the crystal-clear water — some by choice and others carried by force. We ended with a team 2v2 tournament in sand volleyball and found we all should stick to our first sport.
That night, we were on our own for dinner. Myself, Ali Ali and Myles Wilmoth walked about 20 minutes into town on a hunt for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. We were excited to find a nice spot and told our waiter we didn’t care what he brought us, but to make sure it was Greek and it was good.
Our waiter smiled ear to ear and said he was going to hook us up with his best Souvlaki. He explained to us what it was, and we didn’t even need to see a picture. We were sold.
Ham, chicken, and gyro with lettuce, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce and even French fries, peppered and spiced and wrapped in warm pita bread, was presented to us shortly afterward. Not many words were spoken at that dinner table. We were fully immersed in our food and consumed it quickly. We all looked at each other after eating and agreed it was the best meal we’ve had so far, and also wondered if we thought it was OK to ask for another.
Game 4 and the Acropolis
We started the day by viewing one of Greece’s landmarks, the Acropolis. Not only were the stories and structures amazing to see up close and in person, the views it provided of the city of Athens were jaw-dropping. These things we had seen only in movies, and to be provided the opportunity to see it in person is something we will never take for granted.
After seeing the Acropolis, we went back to prepare for our final game of the tour. Same nap, same film study, same music. We were ready to finish out strong collectively.
While Coach had the same type of motivation and task for us pregame, he ended by telling us this was the last opponent we will see until it’s the real deal with 9,000 fans packed into Hinkle Fieldhouse. This dug deep into us as we knew we have much improvement to make but would not see a different type of team besides ourselves for a while.
The game had ups and downs, but again we ended up winning by 15. While it wasn’t perfect, we were 4-0 on the trip and learned what we needed to improve. Coach was critical in what we needed to do in order to be ready for this upcoming season. The past four games gave us great insight into strengths and weaknesses.
We ended our trip with a team dinner and view of the Acropolis. It was awesome to see our whole team — coaches, managers, trainers — at a long table laughing and enjoying each other’s company, not just as a team, but as a family. It is a family built even stronger because of this trip.
Travel back to Indy
It was finally time to go home. While we all enjoyed this trip, many were ready to sleep in our own beds and eat Americanized food.
We again navigated our way through the airport, this time not even giving a chance to speak Greek and hoped someone spoke English. This 11-hour flight was not fun, but at the same time supplied an opportunity to reflect on the past 10 days.
It was amazing to see how each and every one of my teammates and coaches at some point had to get out of their comfort zones and be vulnerable, strictly because of the unknown. This allowed for us to help and encourage one another and bring us closer together. The opportunity our team was provided was something we will forever cherish and appreciate. It will be an everlasting memory, just as Coach told us it would be.
Thank you to IndyStar and John Dedman, associate athletic director/communications, for the opportunity to document my team’s experiences. This journal will be something to hold onto for my lifetime.
It is always an honor to represent not just Butler Basketball, but the entire university and community. It is truly defined by the Butler Way. To fans, I hope you enjoyed reading about our team’s experiences, and we can’t wait to have you all back in November.
This trip provided insight into our team and capabilities we have. We can’t wait to showcase them and get Butler basketball back to where it belongs. Go Dawgs!
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