The NCAA allows basketball teams to take a foreign exhibition tour once every four years, and the University of Dayton will play five games in the Netherlands, Belgium and France from Aug. 8-18.

Most coaches view the tours as beneficial because they get 10 extra practices with their squads, and the timing could be ideal for the Flyers, who will be adapting to a new system under first-year coach Archie Miller.

But UD will have just 10 scholarship players this season, and only eight of 13 full rides currently are accounted for after this season. Restocking the roster is a higher priority for Miller.

“That will be good — learning the players and setting a good tone. That’s all I’m looking for,” Miller said. “The stress will be knowing all these kids are back here making (unofficial) visits, and this is such a big year for recruiting — and recruiting in key spots. But we’ll make do with it.”

Although they haven’t had any supervised workouts yet, the returning players have warmed to Miller’s approach.

“I think everybody is loving him,” said wing Devin Oliver, a sophomore. “We’re still working hard, but he’s allowing us to be a little more independent, putting the task of getting better more on us. He’s a fun guy, too. He’s a good coach and knows what he’s talking about.”

One change under Miller will affect the Flyers’ transition game. While previous coach Brian Gregory had a structured style — the point guard always led the break and wings were assigned specific lanes — Miller will allow the players just to get the ball and go.

“When you get the rebound, if you can handle the ball, you push the ball up the court,” Oliver said. “That was really exciting for me to hear. That’s how I was used to playing in high school. I’m capable of doing it well. I think it will benefit our fastbreak game and open up opportunities.”

UD’s appeal: Miller has recruited at North Carolina State, Ohio State and Arizona as an assistant, but he said UD has some advantages those big-time schools lack.

“One thing that’s very unique here is no one can ever accuse us of not having a great quality of life for our student-athletes because of the care, the academic success, and you can’t miss the tight-knit community feel. ... You’re selling a big-time basketball environment and big-time basketball community, and you also have the best of both worlds because you’re selling a place where they can be a success.

“For me, it’s been neat to see kids really light up and to watch some of the parents I talk to on the phone really gravitate to that because in so many places, bigger isn’t better.”

Flyers, Hurricanes talking: UD is in discussions with Miami (Fla.) for a home-and-away series that would start on the road, a source told the Dayton Daily News.

The schools haven’t signed any contracts and are still trying to set dates, but a deal is expected to take place, barring any unforeseen obstacles.