Fans gave Minnesota star Jordan Murphy an emotional goodbye after losing to Michigan State Saturday night.
The Gophers got blown out by the Spartans in the second round of the NCAA tournament, but that didn’t stop the fans from showing their appreciation for Murphy, who has been a major part of the Minnesota program these past few years. (RELATED: The March Madness Bracket Has Been Released)
Coach Richard Pitino pulled him from the game with just under a minute and a half left as the crowd got to its feet, and started applauding.
The senior star shared some emotional hugs as he went down the bench.
A special moment as @GopherMBB senior leader Jordan Murphy exits the court one last time. #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/uvPVjuu4cS
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 24, 2019
That’s how this journey will end for every single player on ever single team except one. Sports are about huge emotional swings, and most people will hang up their shoes without ever getting close to a championship.
I have no doubt last night was a hard pill to swallow for Murphy. I have no doubt at all, but the sting of losing his final March Madness game will eventually fade.
When it does, people will always remember just how great he was for the Gophers.
Props to him on a very successful career in the Big Ten. Now, it’s time for him to go make some money playing this incredible sport.