NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team will open preparations for the 2026-27 season with a three-game international tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aug. 10-15.
The Spartans will face the LBP All-Stars on three consecutive nights — Wednesday, Aug. 12; Thursday, Aug. 13; and Friday, Aug. 14 — with all three games tipping at 8 p.m.
All three games will be streamed live on BallerTV. A BallerTV subscription is required; fans can search "Norfolk State" on the BallerTV app or at ballertv.com to find the broadcasts.
OPEN PRACTICE THIS SUNDAY
Before the Spartans depart for San Juan, fans get a first look at the 2026-27 roster. Norfolk State will hold an open practice on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Echols Hall.
Admission is free and open to the public. Fans are welcome to come and go throughout the session — the first public look at a Spartan squad featuring nine newcomers.
INSIDE THE TOUR
The Spartans arrive in San Juan on Monday, Aug. 10, and will spend the week balancing on-court work with a schedule built around the island's history and culture.
Between games, the team is scheduled to take a guided tour of Old San Juan while also enjoying the Puerto Rican beaches.
Facing the LBP All-Stars for three straight games gives the coaching staff a rare early-season look at how the Spartans adjust — and for a roster with nine newcomers, the week is as much about team-building as it is about the games. It's an early runway for head coach Robert Jones and his staff to build chemistry between five returners, five transfers and a four-man freshman class before official practice opens in the fall.
Norfolk State added five transfers this offseason: Sacramento State's Brandon Gardner, St. Peter's Jahki Gupton, UIC's Chris Walker, Northwestern State's Jerome "J.C." Riley Jr. and Triton College's Miles Mitchell. Senior guard Dramane Camara, a Paris native, will be among those returning to international competition.
NORFOLK STATE BASKETBALL 2026 INTERNATIONAL TOUR
San Juan, Puerto Rico | Live Stream: BallerTV (subscription required)
Wednesday, Aug. 12 — vs. LBP All-Stars, 8 p.m. - VIDEO ($)
Thursday, Aug. 13 — vs. LBP All-Stars, 8 p.m. - VIDEO ($)
Friday, Aug. 14 — vs. LBP All-Stars, 8 p.m. - VIDEO ($)
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
About Norfolk State University Athletics
Norfolk State University is a Division I member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and a proud Historically Black College and University, sponsoring 17 varsity sports. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to competitive excellence, academic achievement, and building a culture that wins beyond the scoreboard. Behold the green and gold.
