Yale men’s basketball coach James Jones envisions a fast-paced offense next season. So quick, that’s he’s getting a head start on things.
Yale is leaving on a nine-day tour of China on Monday and will play four exhibition games against Chinese college students.

“We’re playing against the best university teams in China,” Jones said. “And then we get a chance to play with the FIBA rules with the 24-second shot clock. We have to play more up tempo which is what we really want to try to do next year.”
Game-planning aside, Jones said there’s no better way to build the team’s chemistry.
“Wonderful things can happen when you’re sitting next to someone on a plane ride for 16 hours,” Jones said. “The entire experience is great for chemistry. You’re in a place where you have to depend on each other for everything.
“This is my sixth or seventh foreign trip as a player or a coach and every time it’s just an unbelievable experience. There are dynamics formed between guys that maybe you haven’t hung out with before, you’ll hang out with him more now.”
The Bulldogs finished 15-13 overall and 8-6 in the Ivy League last season and bring back starters Greg Mangano, Reggie Willhite, Jeremiah Kreisberg and Austin Morgan. Mangano, who recently was invited to Team USA open tryouts for the best college players in the nation, is excited about getting another stage to hone his game.
“I’m so thankful for Yale for putting this together,” Mangano said. “I’ve never been out of the country before so I’m extremely excited. I can’t wait and it’s great to get back on the floor with all the guys.”
Yale had planned to go to Taiwan but the trip was supposed to last just five days and when Jones inquired about extending it he learned about the possibilities of playing in China. The team leaves on Monday and will visit Chengdu and Shanghai. The opener is May 19 against the University of Electronic Science and Technology.
The Chinese government of Chengdu will also pick up some of the expense. Yale great John Lee set up an endowment several years ago that allows the team to make a foreign trip once every four years. The last two trips have taken the Bulldogs to Spain and Italy.
Yale was allowed five days of practice for the NCAA.
“It will be a great learning experience for our team, both on and off the court,” Mangano said. “The trip will help prepare us for next season, and we’ll have the opportunity to grow as a team. I’m thankful for the opportunity we’ve been given.”
In addition to its league slate, Yale will play Florida and Wake Forest next season. The international experience will be beneficial.
“We see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we look forward to the competition and the culture of the country,” Jones said.