Get Caught Up On ODU Men's Basketball's Trip To Costa Rica

Editor's Note: We'd like to thank Marc Stern of Capitol Hoops for sending along all these great photos and video of the team in Costa Rica.

The team takes a photo upon arrival in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Marc Stern, Capitol Hoops.

This week Head Coach Mike Jones and his ODU Men's Basketball squad are on a preseason trip in Costa Rica where they will/have played 3 different opponents to assist in their preparation for the 2025-26 season. 

Their first game was Monday, where they faced off against Costa Rica Select at Gimnasio Nacional. The Monarchs started this game off hot, building a 26 to 19 lead after the first quarter but it would get closer from their on out. In the 3rd, the Monarchs would lose the lead for the first time since the beginning of the game, trailing 54 to 52. But they rallied together and finished the game with a 78 to 71 victory. Rob Davis Jr. and Drew McKenna led the way in scoring, both putting in 13 points. Drew also did well on the boards with 7, while Caelum added 5 of his own, along with 2 blocks and 2 steals. For more stats, see the box scores towards the bottom of the page.

ODU Men's Basketball with Costa Rica Select. Photo courtesy of Marc Stern, Capitol Hoops.

Watch some highlights from game 1 below and hear postgame comments from Coach Jones and a few of his players.

In game 2, the Monarchs faced off against Panama Select and had their way from beginning to end, winning 103 to 46. Four players finished in double digits; McKenna with 17, Wiggins with 15, Big Cal with 13 and Scottie with 10. For more on the first two games of the trip, visit ODUsports to read a recap of both games.

See the full box score at the bottom of this page and watch highlights and hear from Coach Jones and some of his players below.

Now, it's not all about playing games in Costa Rica. The team also has the opportunity to have new experiences to broaden their horizons and enjoy some of the sights Costa Rica has to offer and they are taking full advantage. The team spent Wednesday at a zipline park which you can read more about here at ODUsports and today they will be on an ATV excursion.

On Monday, before tipping off, the team spent time with Special Olympians, giving the team the opportunity to spend time with local children by running drills and giving them tips for the game of basketball. Watch the video below and check out the joy in our Monarchs' faces as they spread the love for this beautiful sport.

The Monarchs finish their basketball portion of the trip on the court Saturday against Costa Rica's National Team which just finished play in FIBA's Olympic qualifying tournament. We wish the team well in this challenging matchup and safe travels home.

Game 1 Box Score:

Other notes: L.J. Thomas - 2 steals, Drew McKenna - 1 steal, Don Raymond - 1 block, Rieco Hellams - 1 steal, Jared Turner - 1 steal, Caelum Swanton-Rodger - 2 blocks and 2 steals.

Game 2 Box Score:

Other Notes: Zacch Wiggins - 2 blocks and 2 steals, Rob Davis Jr. - 1 block and 1 steal, Drew McKenna - 1 block, Don Raymond - 1 block and 1 steal, Rieco Hellams - 2 steals, Jordan Battle - 2 steals