Norfolk State University is getting a jump start on the 2016-17 basketball season. The Spartans will travel to the Central American nation of Costa Rica Aug. 12 through 17 for exhibition games against three teams that are to be played in the capital, San Jose. The team also will do some sightseeing. The NCAA allows teams to travel internationally to play every four years. In preparation, teams are permitted 10 practice sessions prior to departure. NSU Coach Robert Jones’ squad will play the University of Ottawa, Canada, on Aug. 13, a Costa Rican team on Aug. 14 and Brock University, Canada, on Aug. 15. Side trips are planned to Holy Spirit Orphanage, Crocodile Bridge and the Vista Los Suenos Rainforest. NSU is rebuilding its team after losing its top three scorers — Jeff Short, D’Shon Taylor and Charles Oliver — from last season’s MEAC championship squad. Of the 13 players traveling to Costa Rica, eight are newcomers to NSU’s program. The Spartans’ last overseas trip was in 2012 to the Bahamas.