(LEBANON, Ill., July 28)—McKendree University men's basketball coach Chris Foster was picked to serve as the head coach for an NCAA Division II all-star team that traveled to Brazil to participate a goodwill tour that includes four exhibition games.
 
According to USA Sports Tours and Events, the organization sent Division II men's and women's teams to take part in the 10-day tour that began on July 22. After gathering in Orlando, Fla., for orientation, the teams headed to Sao Paulo, Brazil. A four-game exhibition slate for the American teams began on July 24 and will conclude on Monday. In addition to spending time in Sao Paulo, the teams traveled to Sorocaba, Jundiai and Rio de Janeiro.
 
While in Brazil the teams will experience educational, cultural and social aspects of Brazilian life through city, school and sport club visits. The teams also have conducted youth clinics while also touring famous sites throughout the country.
 
"I'm honored to be participating in this tour of Brazil," said Foster. "It gives these student-athletes a chance to experience the culture of another country through the game of basketball, and we look forward to our time there."
 
Foster will guide a 10-player team in Brazil comprised of NCAA Division II players from across the country. The 10 players represent nine different institutions.
 
In his first season at the helm of the McKendree men's basketball program, Foster led the Bearcats to five victories in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The team won Foster's McKendree home debut in dramatic fashion back on Nov. 20, when senior Nate Michael (St. Joseph, IL/St. Joseph-Ogden) drilled a 40-foot bank shot at the buzzer to lift the Bearcats to an 80-78 triumph over Union University.