More Than Basketball: Spartans Take on Costa RicaMore Than Basketball: Spartans Take on Costa Rica

More Than Basketball: Spartans Take on Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - San José State men’s basketball took its game global with an unforgettable team experience in beautiful Costa Rica. From competing on the basketball court to flying through the rainforest, navigating white water rapids, giving back to the local community, and spending meaningful time together away from home, this trip was about so much more than basketball.

The Spartans traveled to Costa Rica looking for an opportunity to compete, connect and experience a new culture and came home with memories and relationships that will last far beyond the upcoming season. Every challenge, conversation, game and adventure provided another opportunity to build trust, toughness, communication and brotherhood. Those are the same qualities that can make the difference when the season gets tough and a team has to rely on one another.

International Competition

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The Spartans had the opportunity to test themselves against the Costa Rica National Team, bringing SJSU basketball to an international stage. Competing against a physical Costa Rica team, the Spartans played valuable minutes and witnessed some terrific performances. 

Newcomer Joey Chammaa poured in 31 points in the first game, including a perfect 12-for-12 night from the free-throw line. Chammaa added 17 points in the second game, tallying five assists, three steals and another perfect night at the charity stripe, going 6-for-6.

Freshman Rokiem Green poured in 28 points in the second game, going 10-for-14 from the floor and made 3-of-5 shots from behind the arc. Mookie Cook tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, while freshman Cade Krueger posted 10 points and Zine Eddine Bedri finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Taking on the Rapids

Nothing says team bonding quite like climbing into a raft and taking on Costa Rica’s white water! Players and staff had to paddle together, communicate and trust the people alongside them. There were plenty of laughs, plenty of splashes and maybe a few moments of wondering, “What did we get ourselves into?” but everyone came away with an experience they won’t forget.

Making an Impact

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One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came during a visit with a local orphanage. The Spartans spent time playing games, laughing, interacting and engaging in conversations with the kids. It was a powerful reminder that the impact of being a student-athlete reaches well beyond wins, losses and basketball.

For the players, it was an opportunity to give their time and attention, connect across cultures and appreciate how something as simple as sharing a game, a conversation or a smile can create a lasting memory.

Flying Through Costa Rica

The Spartans also traded the hardwood for the treetops, zip-lining through Costa Rica’s incredible forests. Stepping off a platform high above the ground takes a little courage, and maybe some encouragement from your teammates! It was another chance to get outside comfort zones, embrace the moment and experience Costa Rica from an entirely different perspective.

Building the Brotherhood

Perhaps the most important part of the trip happened in all the moments in between: traveling together, sharing meals, competing, laughing, exploring and learning more about one another.

Championship-level chemistry isn’t built overnight. It comes from shared experiences, trust and knowing the person next to you is willing to take on challenges alongside you. Costa Rica gave this group the opportunity to strengthen those bonds before the season even begins.

Bringing It Home

The adventures may have taken place thousands of miles from San Jose, but the lessons are coming home with the Spartans.

The Costa Rica experience gave San José State men’s basketball an opportunity to grow as players, teammates and young men. Now, the challenge is to carry that energy, connection and character into the gym, onto the court and throughout the upcoming season.

Be sure to get your MW+ subscription in order to stream SJSU men's basketball live all season. Additionally, season tickets are now for sale and can be purchased here.

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