Two players from the St. Johns basketball team spent their final weeks of summer in Brazil. Senior Aaron Burtzel and junior Andy Burns competed on a national team, called the USA D3 All-Stars, from August 3-12.
SJU assistant basketball coach, Pat McKenzie, joined the two Johnnies. Their talent and reputation on the St. John’s basketball team earned them a chance to play in the international tournament.
McKenzie was initially asked to be the assistant coach for the All-Stars by a close friend, but later was asked to take over as head coach due to an unexpected change in plans.
“A few weeks before the tournament, my friend was no longer able to attend and I was bumped up to head coach,” McKenzie said. “This was an amazing opportunity for me to take.”
Burtzel and Burns were both nominated to play in this honorable tournament by McKenzie and Ron Smith. Smith previously held the position as an assistant for Iowa State for a number of years and now has started USA sports tours and events.
These two Johnnies played with a number of other collegiate athletes from around the US. Burtzel commented on their strong relationship that was created through this trip.
“My favorite part of the trip was the time spent with the guys on the team and the relationships created through that,” Burtzel said. “We won’t ever forget this experience.”
During the tournament, the USA D3 All-Stars traveled to Jungiei, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The first three games were held in Jungiei, where they played teams from around Brazil. The following two games were played in Rio de Janeiro. Here, they competed against the Brazilian National Team at the Brazilian Naval Base.
Overall, the team finished 2-3, beating Jundiai Siemens and Sao Caetano do Sul. They lost to Cosam Prixe and the Brazilian National Team twice.
McKenzie, Burtzel and Burns felt good about their performances, especially against the Brazilian National Team.
“We played the Brazilian National Team in preparation for the Military Olympics and it was a very big deal to their country,” Burns said. “They were great competition, and gave us some great experience.”
Burtzel and Burns both averaged 10 points per game, and were able to gain some experience playing teams from outside of the United States.
“I believe this was a great experience for Burtzel and Burns to have,” McKenzie said, “It has given them a confidence booster for the season and provided them with some new competition.”
Aside from playing basketball, the team traveled around Brazil to experience the culture. The team traveled to some famous beaches including Copacabana and Inpanema in Rio de Janerio.
Overall, McKenzie, Burtzel and Burns had a successful trip due to playing against some great competition, especially the Brazilian National Team, and touring a country filled with
famous tourist sites and beaches.
Both of these players learned skills they hope to bring back to their home court.