All-Star Jordan Murphy treats Minnesota fans to one more double-double

Jordan Murphy was the most popular player in the autograph line. His name drew resounding applause during the player introductions Friday for the Reese's College Senior All-Star Game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Gophers faithful didn't know they would get another chance to see one of the school's all-time greats play until the all-star game roster was announced this week.

Back spasms led to a bittersweet ending to his career when Murphy was limited to only four minutes in an NCAA second-round loss to Michigan State in Des Moines.

Still, the 6-7 San Antonio native looked healthy and put on a show for the Minnesota fans Friday night. It was fitting the king of double-doubles left the game to a standing ovation late in the second half after recording 11 points and 12 rebounds.

"That was pretty cool to see how many fans came out to support me," Murphy said. "To play one more time out here was really something special. It meant a lot to me."

Murphy just did what he does best: snatched boards, dunked and got to the foul line.

Showing something extra NBA scouts will be looking for this spring in workouts, Murphy knocked down a three-pointer for his first shot, which triggered a roar from the jam-packed lower bowl of the stadium in the first half.

After the game, Murphy didn't have long before he had to head over to the Mall of America for another Final Four event a couple of hours later.

Murphy joined Wisconsin's Ethan Happ, Indiana's Juwan Morgan and Nebraska's Glynn Watson on a Big Ten three-on-three team playing Friday though Sunday in the Dos Equis 3x3U National Championships. The winner gets $100,000. They beat an Ivy League team Friday.

On playing with a rival like Happ, Murphy said: "We have the same goal right now, win some money. After that, we'll go back to hating each other."