Shawn Redhage had quite a different experience this summer while playing overseas for Athletes in Action, a 16-person team that included players from numerous colleges across the United States.
The ASU senior forward was thrown into an environment completely different than the one he routinely played in during the Pac-10 season. Redhage is used to arriving at arenas more than an hour before tip-off, but while competing with the team based in Malaga, Spain, he sometimes didn't even begin playing until as late as 11:15 p.m.
"The Spaniards are pretty easy going and laid back when it comes to time," said Redhage in the biweekly journal writings he submitted for www.thesundevils.com.
After averaging 5.2 points per game last year, Redhage stepped up his offensive output during the 15-day trip. He recorded 26 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists in his team's 84-34 win against Frigiliana.
"It was really fun to play a game like that, especially on an outside court under the lights," Redhage said.
The only setback Redhage sustained during the trip was a twisted ankle in his team's 30-point win over the University of Malaga. Redhage was leaping to block a shot when he landed awkwardly on another player's foot. Nevertheless, he finished with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists on 7-of-8 shooting from the field in 12 minutes.
Head coach Rob Evans hopes Redhage's accomplishments over the summer will pay big dividends this fall when ASU makes a bid for its first NCAA tournament berth since the 1994-95 season. He is counting on Redhage to provide leadership for a team that will consist of eight seniors.
"Anytime you come in as a freshman and get an opportunity to play, the experience you have really plays a big part," Evans said. "He's been through a lot of big games in the Pac-10. Going to Spain just adds to the experience he has. In his case, it gave him some exposure overseas for some future endeavors."
While most of the focus during the trip was on basketball, Redhage also had a chance to partake in other recreational activities. After 25 hours of travel on airplanes and layovers in airports, Redhage and his teammates, who were from Valparaiso, South Carolina, Miami of Ohio and Colorado State, watched a hip-hop Christian group from Los Angeles perform at a local stage on a basketball court. Redhage also spent some time relaxing on the beach when he was not partaking in bible study sessions.
"His work ethic is as good as there is," Evans said. "The coach was very impressed with him."
One of the most interesting parts of Redhage's trip was the food he ate during his stay. Some days Redhage consumed traditional meals, like steak and potatoes, but other times he downed whatever was on the table.
"They served us watermelon, bread and pepperoni for breakfast," Redhage said.
Reach the reporter at brian.gomez@asu.edu.
