ODU basketball ready for take off

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - This year's version of the Old Dominion University basketball will have a very new look including seven new players, six of which are freshmen. On Tuesday, the team left for a 10-day trip to Europe, with stops in Italy and Greece.

"This is arguably the youngest team that I've ever been around," ODU Head Coach Blaine Taylor said.

Taylor, entering his 12th season as Monarchs head coach has had to re-tool with seven new players. North Carolina State transfer Deshawn Painter is expected to have an immediate impact.

"It could not be more timely to work with the kids in the summer," Taylor said.

Every four years, college basketball teams are allowed a pre-season overseas trip, which allows the team to hold 10 earlier than usual practices.

After previous trips to the Bahamas and England, the Monarchs are embarking on a privately-funded European tour of Italy and Greece.  

"This trip is about getting better," player Donte Hill said.