Aug. 27, 2008

By John Manuszak
Athletic Media Relations

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - After a difficult 2007-08 season, Colorado State men's basketball Head Coach Tim Miles knows that among other things, his squad needs to gain some team chemistry in order to be successful this season. Miles hopes that a Labor Day weekend trip to Vancouver, B.C., will help with that as the Rams gear up for an exciting 2008-09 campaign.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us," Miles said. "We will be able to play some games against other schools but more importantly it will give our guys a chance to get to know each other. The time we get to spend together on and off the court will be great for what we're trying to do here."

Beginning on Friday, the Rams will spend four days in Vancouver and play three games against Canadian universities. The Rams will arrive on Friday evening and then play three games in three days starting with a Saturday night matchup against the University of the Fraser Valley. CSU will follow that up with a Sunday night game against Simon Fraser University and then a Monday morning meeting with Trinity Western University before returning to Fort Collins.

Rams senior guard Marcus Walker, the second-leading scorer in the Mountain West Conference last year, knows the importance of a trip like this.

"It's going to be really good for us," said Walker. "We have a bunch of new guys on the roster and we haven't played much together so this will give us a chance to play against some competition and learn a little about ourselves."

The Rams have been getting a jump on practice this season because of their upcoming trip to Canada. Due to NCAA rules, teams are allowed 10 practice days prior to a foreign trip. The team will then resume full-team practices beginning on Oct. 17 to begin preparations for the 2008-09 season.

"Having the ability to practice a little bit more is definitely a benefit for us," Miles said. "It gives us time to evaluate what we have and also teach these guys about what we expect of them. I think this will be an advantage for us as we get started in October."

To follow along with the Rams while they are in Vancouver, visit www.CSURams.com.