NCAA teams' practices free, open to public at Sprint Center today

After a few days to recover from the exhilaration of the Big 12 tournament, Kansas City opens a four-day run with an even bigger dance today: the NCAA Tournament.

In advance of Friday’s four opening-round NCAA basketball games at the Sprint Center, the venue today is the site of practice sessions for all eight schools. Practices are open to the general public, free of charge.

The first session is at noon today featuring Mississippi and outgoing guard Marshall Henderson. Villanova and Wisconsin follow with sessions that lead into K-State’s.

The Wildcats’ session, from 2:15-2:55 p.m., will afford fans the opportunity to see their favorite K-State players up close.

And after that comes North Carolina and head coach Roy Williams, former coach of the Kansas Jayhawks.

It’s only fitting that KU follows the Tar Heels’ session.

The final sessions of the day feature La Salle, followed by KU’s Friday opponent, Western Kentucky, from 6:40-7:20 p.m.

Friday’s lineup features four games at the Sprint Center: Wisconsin-Ole Miss at 11:40 a.m. (on truTV), K-State vs. La Salle at about 2:10 p.m. (truTV), North Carolina-Villanova at about 6:20 p.m. (on TNT) and KU vs. Western Kentucky at around 8:50 p.m. (also TNT).

Practice sessions (open general public):

Noon-12:40 p.m.: Ole Miss

12:45-1:25 p.m.: Villanova

1:30-2:10 p.m.: Wisconsin

2:15-2:55 p.m.: Kansas State

4:25-5:05 p.m.: North Carolina

5:10-5:50 p.m.: Kansas

5:55-6:35 p.m.: La Salle

6:40-7:20 p.m.: Western Kentucky