The Iowa basketball team opens practice today in preparation for next month’s tour of Australia. The Hawkeyes will play five games in Australia beginning August 14th and coach Steve Alford says there are a number of benefits from a foreign trip, including the added practice time a team receives. Pierre Pierce was the point guard two years ago when he was a freshman but that role was filled by Jeff Horner last season when Pierce sat out year. Alford plans to keep Horner in that spot. A trip like this can also help team chemistry. Alford feels last season was a big step in that direction. The Hawkeyes leave for Australia on August 10th.
