But as if preparing for one of the nation’s most elite programs in a tremendously unusual venue at Ramstein Air Base in Germany wasn’t enough to remain in Dawson’s sight, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound guard faced a minor roadblock before the team’s trip.

Although most of the No. 14 Spartans are packed and ready for an international date with the Huskies, Dawson said his passport didn’t quite make it in time, which led to a detour in his Monday schedule.

“I would say this is my first time being out of the country,” Dawson said. “You know, they lost my passport in the mail, so I had to go to Detroit today to get a new one.”

Unlike last year’s season-opening trip to San Diego for the Carrier Classic, an opening venture to Germany requires a passport of all players and personnel. Izzo said most of the travel details have been taken care of, as the Spartans are scheduled to depart on Tuesday afternoon.

Although not mentioning Dawson’s brief situation, Izzo said there’s no change of procedure in the way his team is traveling to Germany.

“Well, the passport part, last year, we didn’t have to do that,” Izzo said. “That started in the summer, and, really, because of some screwups with either players, families (or) government, we were still dealing with it last week, but we’re all set to go now.”

Traveling trouble aside, the trip to Germany brings back fond memories for many of the Spartan players who remember a warm November night at sea.

As a member of the team who played aboard the USS Carl Vinson off the coast of San Diego a season ago, Keith Appling has had a firsthand account of the opportunities afforded to him by Izzo and the MSU athletics department.

Although the Spartans fell 67-55 to then-No. 1 North Carolina, Appling said the experiences he’s been a part of have contributed to the fond memories of a past journey, along with building lofty expectations for the one just days away.

“I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to meet the president, play on an aircraft carrier, go to Maui,” Appling said. “It’s just been so many different things that I’ve had the opportunity to do, and I’m just glad I’m a part of this program. I’m trying to cherish every moment.”

For others, the trip marks a major life milestone.

Freshman guard Denzel Valentine doesn’t often venture too far from home. Although making a nearly annual trip to California to visit family, the Lansing native Valentine said the experience will be the farthest away he’s ever been.

But with an opportunity to represent his program and country on an international scale, Valentine said he’s energized for the trip.

“I’m very excited,” Valentine said. “It’s going to be my first big game on national TV against a big-time team, so I’m just embracing the moment.”