Before the first official game of the 2026-27 season, the Westmont men’s basketball team will represent both the college and the United States on an international stage when the Warriors travel to Taiwan to compete in the BLIA Cup from July 28 through Aug. 2.
The international collegiate tournament will provide Westmont with five games against talented competition from around the world, but for head coach Leslie, the experience is about much more than basketball.
“It’s a tremendous head start on the season,” Leslie said. “We’ll get the opportunity to practice together and play five games against really good teams before most programs even play their first scrimmage. It gives us a chance to identify our strengths, discover areas we need to improve, and prepare for the season in ways you normally can’t.”
While the additional practices and competition provide an early advantage, Leslie believes the greatest benefit comes from what happens away from the court.
“That shared experience is something you really can’t explain the value of until you’re a part of it,” Leslie said. “Our players are going to experience a completely different culture together. We’ll be staying in an Olympic Village-style setting alongside teams from different countries, eating meals together and interacting every day. It expands their worldview and puts them in situations where they’re uncomfortable, and that’s where tremendous growth happens.”
Many of the Warriors will be traveling internationally for the first time. Throughout the week, they’ll experience Taiwanese culture through sightseeing, local cuisine, and opportunities to build relationships with student-athletes from across the globe.
Leslie hopes his team will embrace every opportunity the trip provides.
“I want them to learn some words in Chinese,” he said. “I want them all to be able to eat with chopsticks. I want them to try new foods and new experiences. Ultimately, I want them to be uncomfortable together because that’s how they’ll grow.”
Beyond the cultural experience, the Warriors will also face a unique basketball challenge. Competing under FIBA rules against international opponents will expose the team to different styles of play before the regular season begins.
“My teams have played in this tournament twice, and we’ve won it twice,” Leslie said. “There are outstanding teams in this event, and there will be players who go on to play professionally. We want to test ourselves now so we’re prepared for the games that matter most later in the season.”
Among the Warriors, guard Braedon Bigott is one of the few players familiar with the BLIA Cup experience, after having competed in the tournament with his former school before transferring to Westmont. His firsthand experience has made him a valuable resource for teammates preparing to make the journey for the first time.
“My first experience in Taiwan was packed with lifelong memories, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to how much time I got to spend with my teammates,” Bigott said. “It was one of the coolest experiences being able to witness all the new and different traditions together as a team.”
Bigott has encouraged his teammates to immerse themselves in every aspect of the experience.
“One of the biggest things I learned the first time I went over there was don’t be hesitant to try different things,” Bigott said. “Whether that’s the food, activities, or even learning a little bit of their language. The best way to get the full experience is to embrace their culture.”
The veteran guard also believes the trip will provide an important foundation for the upcoming season.
“This trip will be a huge opportunity for us to get a head start on our opponents this year,” Bigott said. “It’ll allow us to spend more time playing together on the court and get even closer off of it. Not a lot of teams are blessed with an opportunity like this.”
For Leslie, the international experience also aligns with Westmont’s mission of developing students both academically and spiritually.
“This may be the only opportunity some of these teams have to play against an American team,” Leslie said. “We’re representing Westmont, but we’re also going to be seen as the USA team. It’s a tremendous opportunity to be a witness for Christ and to represent our college and our country well.”
Although the Warriors hope to compete for a BLIA Cup championship, Leslie believes the relationships formed during the week will leave the greatest impact.
“The teams that have done this trip come back and hit the ground running,” Leslie said. “Those shared experiences continue to shape them years later. That’s what makes this trip so valuable.”
Bigott knows exactly what his teammates can expect once they arrive.
“I think my teammates are really going to appreciate the love and support we get from the locals,” Bigott said. “They’ll ask for pictures, and then the next day they’ll come back with those pictures printed out for you. It’s truly one of the most memorable experiences of my basketball career.”
Westmont will compete in the BLIA Cup from July 28 through Aug. 2 before returning to Santa Barbara to continue preparations for the 2026-27 season.
Fans can follow tournament schedules, results, and live streaming throughout the week on the official BLIA Cup website.
Those interested in supporting Westmont Men’s Basketball and opportunities like the BLIA Cup can contribute through the program’s Coach’s Circle. Gifts directly support the continued development and experiences of Warrior student-athletes.