The journey to play overseas came with excitement and also challenges for Kayleigh Truong and Kaylynne Truong, including lost luggage, a 14-hour time change and not even touching a ball before playing their first game for Vietnam in Bali.

"We didn't even have our clothes when we got there and it was late," said Kaylynne. "Then it started to rain when we were supposed to practice. We were told the ball feels different, so we were really trying to practice just to touch the ball. But with the delays and the weather, we couldn't. The next day when we got into the competition, we were just praying that the ball goes in the hoop."

Well, it seemed to work out just fine for the two even without the practice. The Truongs went on to become ABL 3x3 champions for the Vietnam National team in April.

The two then played in the 31st SEA Games on May 12-23 for the 3x3 team and took home the silver medal. Kaylynne also was a finalist for MVP in the 5x5 tournament.

The atmosphere in Vietnam was unique for the Truongs as Vietnam is still growing their love for the sport of basketball.

"Basketball in Vietnam is on the uphill and we are trying to change things," Kayleigh said. "The support along during the tournament really helped build the fan base. It is a great first step."

With being across the country from their hometown, the Truongs didn't know what to fully expect when it came to the style of basketball with the actual game itself and also the fans support.

"It was just fun playing in the gym with all those fans," Kaylynne said. "Every time we scored they would just yell and cheer no matter what. No matter how much we were losing by, it felt like we were winning."

"Sometimes we will go back and re-watch game film, but it just doesn't do it justice," Kayleigh said. "I think that was a once in a lifetime experience and a core memory that I have now."

For one of those games, the fans weren't just inside the gym, but also outside watching the game on a giant TV screen. Upon their arrival, the Truongs were met with fans waiting outside the bus and cheering for them before the game even began.

"There wasn't a big screen out for the first three games, but going into the fourth game, it was a pretty big game for us because if we were to win that game, we would fight for a bronze medal," Kaylynne said. "When we got there, the big screen was already out, and it was about two hours prior to the game. People were already lining up trying to get into the game so they could watch it live."

The experiences the Truongs had in Vietnam was a once in a lifetime opportunity and they will be able to bring that experience back to Gonzaga going into their senior year.

"Over in Vietnam I had a lot of fun. I felt free and I felt like I was smiling most of the time. So it was a good reminder to just have fun no matter what," Kaylynne said.

"They didn't have the facilities that we have or personal trainers over there," Kayleigh said. "They have just love for the game that keeps them motivated. It is just a nice reminder to just do what you love."

The trip to Vietnam was also the first time that the Truongs had visited the country. Their first language is Vietnamese, but they were then put into public school and have mainly talked in English since then. The biggest culture shock to the two? Motorbikes.

"I don't think they have any traffic laws," Kayleigh said. "They ride up on the sidewalk and everything. They first time we stepped foot down there it was chaotic."

With the sport of basketball still growing a fan base in Vietnam, the Truongs hope to be somebody that people can count on for advice for future or prospective student-athletes wanting to make that jump.

"Surround yourself with people who support you at your worst because they will then be the ones that are there at your best," Kaylynne said. "It is hard to find those people, but once you find them, you keep them close."

"I think we both live by that," Kayleigh said. "That is why we surround ourselves with a lot of people who support us, but there is always going to be people who will say that you can't do it. Just know that anything is possible if you put your mind, your heart, soul into it and you go chase your passions. Whether that is playing basketball, playing some other professional sport, being a musician, an artist or whatever that may be. Just put your all into it and know that good things will come."