Wilkinson to Join Tour of East Asia

Athletes in Action will send a team of current and former collegiate basketball players to East Asia where it will play 10 games in 12 days beginning June 19.

Among the 11 players traveling with the squad will be Husker senior forward Wes Wilkinson. The Grand Island native will be one of six players from major conferences, including student-athletes from Clemson, Georgia, Wake Forest and Oregon State.

Wilkinson will use the time to prepare for his final season of eligibility with the Huskers. Last year, he made tremendous strides in his game as he averaged career bests in points (7.7) and rebounds (3.7) per game including making 10 starts. Wilkinson will be one of just three scholarship players with a least two years of collegiate experience returning to the Nebraska lineup in 2005-06.

"This is a unique opportunity and one that will be about more than just gaining experience on the court," said Nebraska Coach Barry Collier. "We hope that Wes will take advantage of the extra practice and game time against live competition, but more importantly is the life lessons that can be gained on this trip while interacting and learning from people of another culture."

Coaches, players and support staff from across the nation will assemble in Houston for a five-day training camp and the beginning of a journey that will carry them across cultures.

"What American athlete who thrives on basketball, battles to fight and adventures to live would not want the whirlwind experience that awaits these fine young men?" said head coach Morris Michalski.  "We fully expect the personal growth and cultural exchange to be rich and life-changing.  We are looking for victories in and beyond competition and pray that we get that."

AIA will also host clinics and visit local universities to achieve the primary goal of sharing and learning with a different culture. Using the common bond of basketball, the object is to connect with local people in a unique way so as to bridge the gap between groups.

The team will play an array of opponents from professional teams to junior national squads. The level of competition should provide for exciting basketball and great challenges.

"Having observed East Asia pro leagues and knowing the obvious forward thrust that players like Yao Ming are bringing to that part of the world, I certainly respect the international competition we will face," Morris said.  "It will be potent for sure and the schedule will be very demanding.  Our kids are in for a real treat."

The team will be composed of current and former collegiate players from every region of the country, including:

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., School, Graduation Yr.
Devante Blanks, G, 5-9, 170, UW-Green Bay, 2003
Todd Hendley, F, 6-9, 230, UNC-Wilmington, 2007
Kevin Hughes, F, 6-7, 225, UW-Green Bay, 2003
Lamar Hurd, G, 6-4, 195, Oregon State, 2006
Zach Hyatt, F, 6-4, 205, Walters State CC, 2006
Aaron Jessup, F, 6-4, 205, UW-Green Bay, 2003
Steve Newman, F, 6-9, 220, Georgia, 2007
Shawan Robinson, G, 6-2, 185, Clemson, 2006
Trent Strickland Jr., G, 6-5, 215, Wake Forest, 2006
Kyle Visser, C, 6-11, 245, Wake Forest, 2007
Wes Wilkinson, F, 6-9, 220, Nebraska, 2007

Head Coach: Morris Michalski
Asst. Coach: Eric Nelson
Trainer: Jim Rumelhart