Senior guard David Campbell chronicles the High Point University men's basketball team's trip to the Bahamas. The Panthers went to the Bahamas from Saturday, Aug. 7 through Thursday, Aug. 12 and played two game, getting a pair of wins, against local competition.

Day 1: The first day of our trip included a mixture of both traveling and the excitement of the Atlantis on Paradise Island. We left campus at 6 a.m. to catch our plane from Charlotte. The anticipation of our arrival made the two-hour plane flight go by so quickly.

Once we arrived, we immediately noticed the difference between the airports we were accustomed to and the airport in Nassau. It didn't take long to realize that we take many amenities for granted. For instance, most of the airport didn't have air conditioning. However, once we arrived at Paradise Island we were amazed at what the Royal Towers had to offer.

The highlights of Day 1 were the relaxing beaches, as well as the Lazy River tubing course which is a 40 minute float through rapids around the Atlantis Resort.

Even with all the fun we had today, we have not forgotten the reason we came to the Bahamas. Tomorrow, for the first time, we will get the opportunity to face another team. We are all excited because we worked hard for the past week in preparation for our two games. We made great strides in just one week. Hopefully, our hard work and talent will pay off tomorrow while leading us to the first of many wins together.

Day 2: HPU relaxed at the Atlantis Resort during the day before playing the Real Deal Shockers in the evening. High Point took a 92-71 win. Game Story | Days 1-2 Photo Gallery

Day 3: Today we were fortunate enough to do many fun activities. In the morning, we went on a 54-foot Catamaran to an offshore reef about 45 minutes away from the Atlantis resort. When we got to the reef, we all got to go snorkeling. For the most part, everyone started out nervous. A lot of the guys said they didn't want to go in the water. However, in the end, everyone ended up going.

The highlights of snorkeling included an incredible array of exotic fish, sea turtles, sharks, and sting rays. Everything was so easy to see because the water was as clear as a swimming pool.

When we got back to Atlantis, most of the team headed to the water park. We all wanted to try the biggest water slide, which is a pitch black drop off followed by another drop off just when you think the ride is over.

After the water park we headed to dinner and hung out in the resort. There are all sorts of celebrities around Atlantis. We have talked to Kevin Hart, Elton Brand, a Desperate Housewife along with many others. Today was a blast but tomorrow we will get focused again for our last game at 7:30 p.m.

Catamaran Trip Photo Gallery




Day 4: The Panthers had free time at the resort during the day before their final game of the trip. High Point beat the Bahamas All-Stars, 104-84, at Kendal Isaac Gym. Game Story | Photo Gallery.

Day 5: Today was our last day in the Bahamas and we wrapped up the trip with a great day. This morning we went on a tour of the aquarium. It had a variety of different marine life, most of which you can only find in tropical waters. Some of the fish were the same fish that we saw while snorkeling on the reef.

After the aquarium we went to Tehran Cox's home for an authentic Bahamian lunch. We had a great time hanging out with his family while enjoying an amazing meal which included conch fritters, coconut shrimp, chicken, Goombay punch and much more.

When we came back to Atlantis, we had our last chance to soak in what Atlantis has to offer. Some of us enjoyed a few final rides on the water slides, while others hung around in the resort. We did our best to take advantage of everything this trip had to offer. It was truly an incredible experience for everyone involved.

We all came closer together on this trip, which will hopefully carry over to the season. We also did not take this trip for granted and how fortunate we were to come here. We are so thankful for everyone who made this trip possible. And needless to say, we all hope we can make it back here one day!
Day 5 Photo Gallery