Michigan basketball will travel to Europe in August for a series of exhibition games

Michael Cohen, Detroit Free Press
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Shortly after the Michigan football team takes a tour of the state as part of coach Jim Harbaugh's ongoing affection for summer travel, the basketball program will be crossing the pond for a trip of its own.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard is taking his players to Europe in mid-August for three exhibition games across three locales in France and Greece. The foreign tour, which was announced by the program Friday afternoon, will include visits to Paris, Athens and Mykonos (in Greece). Details regarding dates and opponents have yet to be announced.

By organizing a trip abroad, Howard is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, John Beilein, who took U-M overseas several times. The Wolverines visited Spain in 2018, Italy in 2014 and Belgium in 2010 for the chance to hold extra practices — a maximum of 10, per NCAA rules — and jumpstart team chemistry ahead of the regular season.

FILE - In this April 6, 2013, file photo, Michigan head coach John Beilein speaks to players against Syracuse during the first half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game in Atlanta. Athletic director Dave Brandon told The Associated Press on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, that Beilein has signed a three-year extension that replaces his previous contract and keeps him with the Wolverines through the 2018-19 season. The 60-year-old Beilein will make $2.45 million a year in total compensation.

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The addition of a summer tour means Michigan will travel to Europe twice in the span of four months. The Wolverines are also scheduled to face Kentucky in London on Dec. 4 as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase.

Contact Michael Cohen at mcohen@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Cohen13.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball will travel to France and Greece in August