:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35909382/20140319_ajl_sv7_045.0.jpg)
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.
Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.
