lRTS The Michigan Daily - Monday, August 14, 2006 - 15 .1 ' NJ L CAGERS Continued from Page 13 "We've been told (the competi- tion) will be very good," Amaker said. "Australia is a place that has provided good experiences both on and off the court." Coaches usually use the Big Ten Foreign Tour to give younger play- ers an opportunity to gain valu- able playing experience. That's why Amaker's pick of redshirt senior Abram to travel to Australia raised some eyebrows. But both Amaker and Abram agreed that he needed to get back into playing competitive games after missing most of the Big Ten season last year due to a severe ankle sprain in January. Abram, along with sev- eral other Michigan players, came to Amaker asking to play on the Foreign Tour team. "We thought he deserved it," Amaker said. "He's been able to prac- tice and play pickup games all spring and summer, but (we wanted to) get more games under his belt and get back in that kind of environment." For Smith, the Foreign Tour will give him more experience lead- ing a team on the court at the point guard position. With the graduation of Daniel Horton, the Wolverines will need Smith next season to step up into the vacated role at starting point guard. Already, Smith has slimmed his frame down from his playing weight last season. While he said he's dropped 20 pounds, Amaker wasn't as enthusiastic. "He's dropped some," Amaker said. "He's working toward where we want him to go. I think that's important that he knows that's an area where he needs to get in bet- ter shape and realize how tough this league is." Smith also pointed to this trip as a chance to get to know what Amak- er wants out of his point guard. The Foreign Tour allows Amaker to spend more time with Smith both on and off the court. The Foreign Tour will not just benefit the Wolverine players, but it will also help those playing for other Big Ten schools. For some, the chance to see a different part of the world is the most exciting. "I heard the girls are good look- ing," Doyle said. "(They have) those funny accents. I talk pretty funny myself so I should fit right in." ALcX DZIADOSZ/Daily Tommy Amaker hopes to work with Jerret Smith and improve his play at thepoint. Note: The team has two remaining games, Aug. 15 and 16 against Brisbane and South District, respectively. Are moderate or severe making your life a pain? If so, consider joining our research study. If you suffer from moderate or severe headaches, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study of the investigational use of an inhaled medication for migraines. Eligible participants must be between 18 and 50 years of age. All study-related procedures and study medication will be provided at no cost. Reimbursement for travel and other study-related expenses may be provided. For more information about this study, please contact a research nurse at (734) 677-6000 x 4. Michigan Head*Pain & Neurological Institute 3120 Professional Drive - Ann Arbor, M1 48104 (734) 677-6000 * www.mhni.com 1. AOF i r f 4