Members of the Hope men's basketball program gave an assist last weekend to a Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity project in Holland Township.

Three different groups of players helped with the construction of a house Lakeshore Habitat For Humanity is building for a local family.

Sophomore Brock Benson of Willowbrook, Ill., said he and his teammates enjoyed their time together off the court.

"It's great to give back to the community," Benson said. "I've never done anything like this before. It's a new experience for me, and I'm sure a lot of the other guys. Being able to make a difference in someone's life means a lot."

Hope coach Matt Neil said volunteering was "a way for our program to give back to this awesome community that does so much for us."

"To average nearly 2,900 people a game, game in and game out for the men's and women's program is awesome," Neil said. "This is just one small way we can give back."

Giving time to Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity has an educational component as well, Neil said.

"The beauty of this project for our guys to be able to be together and see fruits of their labor — hard work and that starting with nothing and building something is quite rewarding," Neil said. "I think it's also important for our guys to build team. We're hanging drywall, so it requires a number of guys to have to do their part to get the job done." 

The Flying Dutchmen begin practice and tryouts later this month in preparation for the 2013-14 season. Their season opener is Friday, Nov. 22 at Wisconsin-Whitewater.