Vanderbilt embarks on 10-day Australian adventure

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Vanderbilt Commodores are about to go down under for some preseason bonding and extra play time. The Commodores announced

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Vanderbilt Commodores are about to go down under for some preseason bonding and extra play time.

The Commodores announced Wednesday they leave Friday for a five-game, 10-day tour of Australia visiting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Townsville. The trip takes Vanderbilt to the home country of junior center A.J. Ogilvy, who is from Sydney.

"What excites me most about this trip is the opportunities for my family and friends who haven't been able to see me play have the chance to come out and watch. It's also a great chance for all of our guys to have a great trip and for me to show them around my country," Ogilvy said.

Vanderbilt is coming off a 19-12 season, adding only one freshman in top prospect John Jenkins. Coach Kevin Stallings already has unveiled a non-conference schedule featuring a trip to Maui and a possible game against Maryland with other competition including Missouri and DePaul.

"We are excited about our trip to Australia," Stallings said. "It will be a great team-building experience and a good opportunity to play against some quality international competition."

The schedule includes teams from different Australian basketball leagues and the Australian Institute of Sports, where Ogilvy once played. The first game will be Monday in Melbourne and the last on Aug. 16. The Commodores return on Aug. 17.

"Our team is also thrilled to see A.J.'s home country and his enthusiasm for having his teammates along with him. It will be a trip our guys will never forget," Stallings said.

This is just the last overseas trip for Vanderbilt teams. The men's golf team recently returned from Scotland. The lacrosse team visited the Czech Republic among other stops in Europe this summer.