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Pitt basketball schedule for 2014 Bahamas trip; Panthers to play four games in five days

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pitt's athletics department released the schedule of the basketball team for their upcoming trip to the Bahamas. The Panthers' will play four games during their stay from August 1 - 7.

Here's the full schedule:

Date Opponent Time
Saturday, August 2nd Commonwealth Giants 3:00 p.m. EST
Sunday, August 3rd Bahamas All-Stars 3:00 p.m. EST
Tuesday, August 5th Street Legends All-Stars 9:00 p.m. EST
Wednesday, August 6th Atlantis All-Stars 7:00 p.m. EST

It should be noted, too, that Monday won't be an off day. The team won't play any games then, but they'll still have practice.

This won't be purely a social trip, but it will be in part. Some family members will be making the trip, according to head coach Jamie Dixon. "From a basketball perspective, this is an outstanding opportunity for our team to get an early start on the season," Dixon said. "It is also a chance for the players, coaches, support staff, administration and families to experience the Bahamas."

The most important aspect is the extra practice and game experience the team will get. Pitt is still a fairly young squad heading into this year and a lot is on the shoulders of the underclassmen. In addition, as I've been pounding quite a bit, the team includes a lot of new players. Guys like Sheldon Jeter and Tyrone Haughton are also coming in  this season, so the trip will give an added opportunity to improve team chemistry and to get accustomed to playing together. It's just a huge benefit all the way around.

The other intriguing thing is the schedule of games. Playing for games in five days is certainly going to test the team's endurance a bit. And since the trip is supposed to be fun as well, as a result, we'll probably see a lot of guys near the end of the bench get some solid minutes. It's also a good postseason builder - particularly in the ACC Tournament when teams that advance are playing every day.

Games will be played at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs gym in Nassau.

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