Akron Zips Basketball Foreign Tour Blog: Bahamas Trip 2016 - The Final Days

August 18 | Men's Basketball

2016 Foreign Tour: Atlantis Bahamas Photo Gallery: Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four & Five |

Akron Zips Basketball Foreign Tour Blog: Bahamas Trip 2016

Monday and Tuesday, August 15-16 – Game Day 2 & All Day Fun in the Sun – Noah Robotham,, Emmanuel Olojakpoke, Daniel Utomi, Craig Eubanks, Jimond Ivey, Antino Jackson

Nassau, Bahamas – On Monday, the Zips cruised to its second-straight victory at the 2016 BTC Summer of Thunder tour by defeating the PJ Stingers, 124-63. Freshman Tavian Dunn-Martin recorded 23 points as five Zips followed with double figures. Akron made 19 shots from long distance, recording 40 made 3-point field goals in two games.

After the Zips finished the basketball portion of the trip, the squad had a full day to experience the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island on Tuesday before departing for the rubber city on Wednesday. Here is what some of the team members had to say about their final two days in the Bahamas.

Thoughts from Noah Robotham

The one word that constantly crossed my mind during our trip in the Bahamas was the word "blessed." I recalled many times where I sacrificed times with my family and friends to put myself in position to experience life outside the U.S. The road to get to this point, like many others on the team, was not easy and required a lot of work, sacrifice, and patience. For a split moment when I was riding jet ski's in the ocean with my teammates, I felt the work coming to fruition. The games were fun and it was good to see everyone finish the games healthy. I am grateful to spend this memorable moment with the team. I enjoyed myself and the memories I made will stick with me forever.

Thoughts from Emmanuel Olojakpoke

My time at the Bahamas was very cool. It was my first time out of the country and it was a great experience. In addition, it was really the first time I was able to get on the court against outside competition, and that was amazing. Overall, we did a good job of getting to know each other better, and I can't wait to get back and start preparing for the season with the team.

Thoughts from Daniel Utomi

The Bahamas is an amazing place. Everything I imagined about this place is true, and everything I imagined I would do I did. The craziest thing that I did was the two steep waterslides, the Leap of Faith and the Abyss. I am not goods at heights and still can't believe I did those two rides. Overall this trip was a blessing

Thoughts from Craig Eubanks

This trip was nothing short of amazing! It was great for all of us, the coaches and players, to bond and have fun on and off the court. The highlight of the trip for me was riding a jet ski for the first time. It was something that I have wanted to do since I was a little kid, and I got to spend that experience the jet skis with my teammates. Now, I can check that off my bucket list. I enjoyed the trip of a lifetime with a great team. It is something I'll never forget.

Thoughts from Jimond Ivey

I couldn't imagine a trip that could get any better. I was fortunate enough to spend five days with the guys and playing the game I love in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Bahamas. It's truly a blessing and I'm very thankful for the experience. Tuesday was by far the best day of my life. I went on a jet ski for the first time. It was a bit scary to fall of twice in the middle of the ocean, but I got back up and kept riding. I'll never forget it.

Thoughts from Antino Jackson

My experience in the Bahamas was truly amazing. I'm blessed and grateful for this opportunity to not only travel to Atlantis, but to be playing college basketball for the Akron Zips. I have done many things here and many of you will see me and hear me in the video footage we will release next week. I was one of the guys who captured this entire Paradise Island excursion on one of our GoPros. I was fortunate enough to cross off two things on my bucket list this week, going out of the country and riding a jet ski. I also was able to spend a lot of time with my teammates, coaches and staff. It helped us come together closer as an organization and a team. I think this trip was good for us, especially the freshmen. The new guys were fortunate to get an early start to the season, and that is very important. Our foreign trip is something I will never forget, and I would like to thank the University of Akron and all the donors that made it possible. We are looking forward to another great year… #GoZips!