IRVINE, Calif. - Graduate transfer Robert Cartwright sat down with us to discuss his experience as the UC Irvine men's basketball team wrapped up an 11-day, five-game trip to Seoul, South Korea. The Anteaters finished with a 4-1 record and an unforgettable experience abroad.
 
Cartwright graduated from Stanford last spring with a degree in science, technology and society. He was a three-year letter winner on the Stanford men's basketball team averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 assists and led the Cardinal in assist to turnover ratio at 2.14 last season.
 
At UCI, he is working towards his master's degree in legal and forensic psychology.
 
Along with their five games, the players and staff were able to experience a number of different attractions, including the Lotte Tower, Olympic Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.
 
Q&A with Robert Cartwright
 
What was your overall experience of the trip to Seoul?
 
The trip was a wonderful cultural experience. From a basketball standpoint it was an amazing opportunity to get to play games with my new teammates. Seoul was extremely hot and humid 24 hours a day while we were there, but the restaurants we went to were excellent and it was a great bonding experience for the entire team. 
 
Your grandparents are Korean, but you have never been to South Korea before, what was your experience like visiting for the first time?
 
My grandparents were both born and raised in South Korea until they immigrated to the United States during the Korean War. It was my first time visiting the country. I was so excited when I learned we would be making this trip a couple months ago. When I stepped off the plane after our lengthy flight, a wave of giddiness came over me knowing I had finally made it to my "motherland." 
 
Were there any Korean traditions you experienced in Seoul that you have also participated in at home?
 
When I was younger, my family threw me and my younger brother, Jack, a traditional Korean birthday party and everybody in attendance wore traditional Korean outfits. At one point during the trip, I saw a group of people wearing similar types of the vibrant and colorful Korean clothing and it reminded me of our birthday celebration all those years ago.
 
What were some of your favorite moments from the trip?
 
Going to the top of the Lotte World Tower was certainly a memory I will not forget. The views from a 123-story building as you might imagine are quite exquisite. 
 
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the trip was the fact that I was able to have my mother and brother get to experience Seoul with me. It was also my brother's first time and my mother hasn't had many opportunities to visit the country. Given how much we value and are proud of our Korean heritage, it was special to be there together. 
 
Anything that surprised you on the trip?
 
We went to a baseball game while we there and I was astounded at how lively the atmosphere was. Major League Baseball games in the US tend to have a quieter crowd energy and have a more relaxing vibe. Contrarily, at the game we went to in Seoul, the crowds for both teams were nonstop cheering and dancing as music was playing in the background. It's hard to explain just how buoyant the stadium was, but that alone made it one of the most entertaining baseball games I have ever witnessed.
 
What was your favorite food?
 
Korean barbecue has always been one of my favorite types of food, if not my favorite. However, in the past I have usually saved it for special occasions. But while I was there, I had no problem going and eating barbecue essentially every day. Korean bulgogi and brisket are delicious and I can just continue to eat it when it is put in front of me no matter how much I've already consumed. 
 
What were your first impressions playing with a brand new team?
 
Playing with a new team always comes with some challenges, especially as a point guard because I'm trying to learn my teammate's tendencies and get acclimated to a new system and coaching staff. But without a doubt the experience was invaluable to me as we head into the season. I think this trip will be a springboard for us as a team to really have a special year. 
 
How do you think this trip will prepare you and the team for the upcoming season?
 
It's no secret that we want to compete for championships in our conference. Playing in close games like we did a couple times in Seoul will be very valuable and remind us how important the little things are in a game decided by five points or fewer. These are lessons we can hopefully we can take away for when we are in similar situations in February and March.