Chilean basketball coach Jaime Castillo has been watching the men’s basketball team for the past month.

Castillo asked Robert Corn, head men’s basketball coach, if he could watch practices and games to learn more about coaching basketball.

His team came to Missouri Southern in November to play the Lions. The team also played three other games during its eight-day trip to the United States.

Corn said at that time he and Castillo spent some time together, and Castillo expressed interest in spending some watching the team.

“I came to learn how to prepare the team for games,” Castillo said. “Also, I want to see how the season is.”

The 43-year-old Castillo is the head basketball coach at Universidad de los Américas in Santiago, Chile. He said he has been coaching basketball for 16 years.

Castillo said his team’s season begins in April and runs until October. The Chilean national tournament is played in November. He said there are 16 teams in his conference, and they play about 32 games per season, not counting the national tournament or other tournaments.

Castillo has attended practice everyday and has been to every game the Lions have played in the past month.

“It is a very good experience for me,” he said. “Everyday I have a question for the coaches.”

Corn said it has been a positive experience for everyone involved.

“It’s been great to share ideas with each other,” he said.

Castillo said he has become friends with Corn and assistant coaches Ronnie Ressel and Aundrey Wright. He also said the team has been receptive to him.

Corn said Castillo and Hiram Ocasio, senior guard from Puerto Rico, have developed a good relationship based on their common language.

He said he thinks the Lions are a good team and can make it to the postseason.

For his month stay, Castillo has lived in the residence halls. He said that has been a good, peaceful experience.

“We just appreciate him coming up here,” Corn said.

He said he hopes Castillo learned a lot from his experience.

Castillo returned to Santiago Feb. 3, but he said he wants to return in the future.

“I hope to come back at a later time and bring a good team to play against Missouri Southern,” he said.