Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs are Bahamas Bound for Summer of Thunder
7/25/2026 1:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State men's basketball team is set to embark on a week-long international tour from July 26 to Aug. 2, traveling to Nassau, Bahamas, to prepare for the 2026-27 season.
The Bulldogs will spend the week participating in the Summer of Thunder, training for the upcoming season and facing international competition in three contests. Now in its 15th year, the Summer of Thunder brings NCAA Division I programs to the Bahamas to compete against professional and semi-professional teams. Fresno State is one of eight teams participating in this year's event, joining Louisville, Cincinnati, Valparaiso, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.
"This trip is a tremendous opportunity for our program. We get extra practices, quality competition and a full week together as a team before the season even begins," said Head Coach Vance Walberg. "Playing experienced international teams will challenge us in different ways, and just as importantly, it gives our players a chance to build trust, chemistry and the habits that will carry us through the season. We're excited to represent Fresno State and make the most of every opportunity while we're in the Bahamas."
The Bulldogs will open the tour on Tuesday, July 28, against the Commonwealth Giants before facing the Caribbean Moonshine Rockets on Thursday, July 30. Fresno State will conclude the trip on Saturday, Aug. 1, against the Western Air High Flyers. All three games will be played in Nassau, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on July 28 and 30, and 3 p.m. ET (Noon PT) on Aug. 1.
International tours have become an increasingly valuable part of college basketball. While the NCAA previously permitted programs to take a foreign tour once every four years, current rules now allow teams to participate annually, creating additional opportunities for player and program development.
Beyond the competition, the tours provide invaluable experience both on and off the court. Facing experienced professional and semi-professional opponents challenges players in ways that offseason workouts cannot, while giving coaches an early opportunity to evaluate lineups, build chemistry and establish team identity before the regular season. Extended time together away from campus also helps strengthen relationships, develop leadership and accelerate the integration of newcomers into the program.
Teams participating in foreign tours are also permitted 10 additional summer practice days by the NCAA. Those practices provide valuable opportunities to install offensive and defensive systems, develop individual skills and build the culture that will carry into the regular season.
In addition to basketball, the Bulldogs will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Nassau community by hosting a youth basketball clinic at the Ranfurly Home for Children. The trip also offers student-athletes the chance to experience a different culture, broaden their perspectives and represent Fresno State internationally while creating memories that will last well beyond the basketball court.
To follow the Bulldogs' journey through the Bahamas, follow Fresno State Men's Basketball on Instagram and X.
The Bulldogs will spend the week participating in the Summer of Thunder, training for the upcoming season and facing international competition in three contests. Now in its 15th year, the Summer of Thunder brings NCAA Division I programs to the Bahamas to compete against professional and semi-professional teams. Fresno State is one of eight teams participating in this year's event, joining Louisville, Cincinnati, Valparaiso, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.
"This trip is a tremendous opportunity for our program. We get extra practices, quality competition and a full week together as a team before the season even begins," said Head Coach Vance Walberg. "Playing experienced international teams will challenge us in different ways, and just as importantly, it gives our players a chance to build trust, chemistry and the habits that will carry us through the season. We're excited to represent Fresno State and make the most of every opportunity while we're in the Bahamas."
The Bulldogs will open the tour on Tuesday, July 28, against the Commonwealth Giants before facing the Caribbean Moonshine Rockets on Thursday, July 30. Fresno State will conclude the trip on Saturday, Aug. 1, against the Western Air High Flyers. All three games will be played in Nassau, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on July 28 and 30, and 3 p.m. ET (Noon PT) on Aug. 1.
International tours have become an increasingly valuable part of college basketball. While the NCAA previously permitted programs to take a foreign tour once every four years, current rules now allow teams to participate annually, creating additional opportunities for player and program development.
Beyond the competition, the tours provide invaluable experience both on and off the court. Facing experienced professional and semi-professional opponents challenges players in ways that offseason workouts cannot, while giving coaches an early opportunity to evaluate lineups, build chemistry and establish team identity before the regular season. Extended time together away from campus also helps strengthen relationships, develop leadership and accelerate the integration of newcomers into the program.
Teams participating in foreign tours are also permitted 10 additional summer practice days by the NCAA. Those practices provide valuable opportunities to install offensive and defensive systems, develop individual skills and build the culture that will carry into the regular season.
In addition to basketball, the Bulldogs will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Nassau community by hosting a youth basketball clinic at the Ranfurly Home for Children. The trip also offers student-athletes the chance to experience a different culture, broaden their perspectives and represent Fresno State internationally while creating memories that will last well beyond the basketball court.
To follow the Bulldogs' journey through the Bahamas, follow Fresno State Men's Basketball on Instagram and X.
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