For the Fitchburg State University men’s basketball team, the 2026-2027 season will be one they will never forget.
The Falcons launched into the trip of a lifetime this summer —a 10-day European tour through Luxembourg and Germany packed with rich culture and high-level international competition.
“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Fitchburg State University men's basketball, and the overall experience exceeded every expectation we had,” said Fitchburg State men’s basketball coach Titus Manderson, whose team officially kicks off its season on Nov. 6 at Farmingdale State (6 p.m.). “Beyond the basketball court, my biggest hope was that our players gained a broader global perspective and memories that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Seeing them immerse themselves in a different culture, bond as teammates, and grow as young men away from home is exactly what this trip was about.”
Senior guard Jalen Jackson said that his overall experience was amazing.
“It was fun and exciting to be able to experience a different country while also doing something I love, which is playing basketball,” said Jackson, who hails from San Antonio, Texas. “One of the biggest things I enjoyed was getting to see how basketball is played differently compared to here in America. Being able to compete against different teams and experience a different style of basketball gave me a new perspective on the game and allowed me to learn a lot both on and off the court. I also really enjoyed getting the opportunity to explore and experience a new culture with my teammates, which made the trip even more memorable.”
For many of the 11 players, the trip marked a series of firsts: traveling overseas, sampling local cuisine, and immersing themselves in unfamiliar cultures.
“The experience was wonderful,” said senior guard Tecumseh Kunz-Rosario, of Vista, Calif. “It was very insightful on the different cultures of Germany and learning about their history, language and the food. The sights in Germany were beautiful, seeing all the farms and the buildings and the history of the buildings. The basketball was also another experience, seeing how their style of play was different from how we played as well.”
Senior forward Joshua Jean Charles, of Dorchester, said his overall experience was eye-opening, especially seeing the little things like how people dress and the different food options.
“All the little cultural differences were notable,” said Jean Charles. “Everyone there kept asking where we were from. I really enjoyed the basketball side of things because it gave a view of what a professional basketball career looks like. I really enjoyed the tours, looking at the historical monuments and meeting the mayor.”
They embarked on this journey together. As a family. As one cohesive unit. These Falcons bonded mightily on and off the court, while earning three impressive victories to wrap up the international trip at a perfect 3-0.
“The games were super competitive and high scoring,” said senior guard Jackson Owens, of Buford, Ga. “We scored 100 points in two games we played, showing the ability these pro players have to score. It was something we all knew we could do. All of the guys on the team believed we could win all three games.”
We come back home not just as a better basketball team, but as a tight-knit family. I’m incredibly proud of how our players represented our institution on the world stage, and we can’t wait to get back to work and carry this momentum straight into the winter.
The competition overseas was fierce, physical, and disciplined. Playing against international professional teams forced the Falcons to adjust to a different style of play against teams with very high basketball IQs.
Manderson was thrilled to watch his team rise to the challenge, execute under pressure, and earn three tough wins.
“It’s a testament to their competitive drive and willingness to play for each other,” said Manderson.
Joshua Spero, a retired faculty member who served as a special assistant to Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge during the 2025-2026 academic year, helped organize the journey. He has lengthy experience bringing Fitchburg State students aboard to Europe.
“I always anticipate that lives transform from these unique experiences,” said Spero.
He’s hoping the players will always remember this trip.
“These basketball players rose to such wonderful, life-changing heights on this trip as students, athletes, and men to become a brotherhood for life,” said Spero. “They always looked out for one another and bonded in ways so profound and powerful, on and off the court.”
Manderson praised the support the program received from President Hodge, Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Matt Burke, Associate Athletic Director Bettiann Peura, Fitchburg State alum and former NBA basketball coach Jim Todd, retired head coach/GM Trier Gladiators Don Beck, and Spero.
“They were absolutely vital in moving mountains to make this a reality for our guys,” said Manderson, also acknowledging the tremendous work done by his assistant coaches Mark Williams and Eric Wheeler for helping prepare the team and keeping them focused. “We are deeply grateful for their vision, leadership, and confidence in our program, as well as the generosity of everyone who contributed to giving our student-athletes this unforgettable experience.”
As the Falcons gear up for tip-off this November, they bring back far more than just souvenir photos and a pristine 3-0 record — they carry the unbreakable bond of a team that has already proven it can conquer new territory together.
“We were teammates before, but after this trip, we are like brothers and family,” said Jean Charles. “I believe that this trip has helped us prepare for the winter season because we all see the potential of our team. During this trip, I was able to learn more about the characteristics and personality traits of some of my teammates that I probably wouldn't have experienced outside of this bonding time.”
Manderson said this trip was truly about growth – both as individuals and as a unit.
“We come back home not just as a better basketball team, but as a tight-knit family,” said Manderson. “I’m incredibly proud of how our players represented our institution on the world stage, and we can’t wait to get back to work and carry this momentum straight into the winter.”