RUSTON – Amorie Archibald wasn't too crazy about the Greek food, aside from the best salad he ever had, or the traffic in Greece with speedy taxis who wrote the book on improper lane usage.
 
However, everything else was amply described as amazing, beautiful and unforgettable as the Louisiana Tech guard recently returned from his five-day trip to Athens while playing for the 2019 USA East Coast Basketball team.
 
The soon-to-be junior was one of 11 collegiate players to represent the United States, arriving in New York City to take part in a two-day training camp at Columbia University before venturing on a 13-hour flight from JFK airport to the historic nation of Greece to play three games and take in the sights.
 
"Greece was amazing," Archibald said.  "The people were great.  The beach was beautiful.  The city was beautiful.  It is a beautiful place all around.  The whole team got close and bonded.  They are like brothers to me now.  It was a great overall experience and one that I'll remember forever."
 
On the court, Archibald made a big impact for the USA squad who went a perfect 3-0.  He ended up averaging 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game while averaging 19.0 minutes of action (the entire team had equal playing time).
 
"They were physical games," Archibald said.  "The competition was really good.  There was a little more pressure playing not just for the team, but for the country."
 
Archibald netted a team-high 11 points to go along with four assists in the 83-61 opening victory over the pro team Greece Amyntas. 
 
He followed that up with similar numbers in game No. 2 against the pro team Greek Athens Select, recording eight points, three boards, four dimes and two steals in the 77-61 win.
 
The third and final game was the most competitive as the USA went up against the Greek U19 squad.  With the game tied at 61-61 and seconds remaining, Archibald was on the floor and got fouled off an in-bounds play.  He went to the charity stripe and calmly sank what would be the game-winning free throws.
 
He finished with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. 
 
His time off the court was just as enjoyable, getting to be a tourist and visit places like the Parthenon, Astir Beach and Athens Olympic Stadium where he and the team got to watch the 2019 Greek championship game.
 
"I want to thank everybody that made this happened," Archibald said.  This experience will definitely help me for this upcoming season, knowing that I can play at a high level.  It is a confidence booster going into this season."