Gophers practice in Des Moines ahead of 1st NCAA tournament game

DES MOINES, Iowa (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team practiced at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa Wednesday morning, where they will face Louisville in the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday. 

This is the team's second NCAA tournament appearance in three years. 

Senior Jordan Murphy said before practice his best advice for younger teammates is to have fun, but stay locked in.

Murphy was one of many Gophers that stopped to visit with every kid who wanted a selfie or an autograph in Des Moines. 

Gophers forward Matz Stockman was not in open locker room before practice Wednesday. He was at the the team hotel--held out as a precaution due to concussion symptoms. 

He is reportedly a "game time decision" ahead of Thursday's game.

Jarvis Omersa has been known as the "hype man" all season, but he looked ready for some March Madness action on Wednesday. If Stockman is out, Omersa could be a potential playmaker for the Gophers at forward against Louisville. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Thursday.