Most NBA players have had the experience of being on a road trip to play in a high school AAU basketball tournament.
The Detroit Pistons, who are coming off a 107-96 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday, didn’t have the normal luxury of flying to their Wednesday matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Because of the snowstorm overtaking the south, the Pistons took a bus to their next destination a couple of days early.
However, since the College Football Playoff National Championship was held at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday night, the Pistons stayed a night in Birmingham, Alabama, which is around two hours away, according to SCHN.
On Tuesday, the Pistons began their road trip to Atlanta, but while en route, they made a stop at Buc-ee’s, one of the most iconic gas stations in the south. The gas station is known for its extensive choices of food and numerous gas pumps.
While at Buc-ee’s, Pistons center Jalen Duren snagged a couple of barbecue sandwiches, while guard Tim Hardaway Jr. grabbed a club melt sandwich, Buc-ee stickers and shirts on the trip.
Buc-ee’s haul @T_HardJR pic.twitter.com/E8b8pXjFFe
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 21, 2025
the most efficient stop pic.twitter.com/qtA2Gs74pv
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 21, 2025
Rookie guard Ron Holland II compared the team outing to being on an AAU team.
We really a AAU team https://t.co/jFUbUELUqk
— _ronhoops (@ron2kholland) January 21, 2025
The Pistons will take on the Hawks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.