Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson, left, and forward James Johnson defend Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo.

Kansas City, Mo. ? Nearly a decade after winning an NCAA title in 2008, several former Kansas basketball players held an unofficial reunion Saturday at the Sprint Center.

With three Jayhawks playing in an exhibition game for the Minnesota Timberwolves — Cole Aldrich, Brandon Rush and Andrew Wiggins — many of their old teammates were more than happy to watch.

That included Brennan Bechard, Jeremy Case, Mario Chalmers, Brady Morningstar and Conner Teahan. Chalmers and Morningstar watched courtside, directly across from the Timberwolves’ bench. Wayne Simien was also in attendance, drawing a cheer when he was announced on the video board.

“Heckling them a little bit from the sideline,” Aldrich joked. “But it was great to see those guys.”

The T-Wolves, with major contributions from their Kansas players, beat the Miami Heat, 109-100.

In one sequence during the second quarter, Aldrich blocked a shot on the defensive end, received the ball on offense and fired a pass to Rush, who drilled a three-pointer from the wing. Both of them have bounced around NBA teams throughout their professional careers, but it reminded the crowd of old times, drawing a wild cheer from the crowd of 13,042.

“It was like a home game for them,” Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Wiggins scored 19 points on 3-of-11 shooting, earning 16 trips to the free-throw line in 28 minutes.

The No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Wiggins said the return to Kansas City “brought back memories.”

Rush scored 11 points in 22 minutes with three rebounds, shooting 3-of-5 from behind the three-point line. Aldrich added four points, six boards and two blocks in 21 minutes.

Up in a suite, all of the Kansas basketball players watched the preseason game. Junior Devonté Graham moved to a few rows above the T-Wolves bench in the second quarter, happily taking pictures with a few young fans that recognized him.

But for the ’08 squad members, they were thrilled with their mini-reunion. Most of them met afterward, including assistant coach Kurtis Townsend, for a quick chat. Rush went out to dinner with Chalmers on Friday night.

“I just came back really to take my son to the game and come show some support,” said Chalmers, who added he has at least of month of rehab remaining for his ruptured right Achilles tendon. “Brandon is one of my best friends, Cole being KU, Andrew being KU; I just wanted to come out and support.”

Jayhawks sending thoughts and prayers toward “Scooter”

Former Kansas basketball players said it was tough to hear bad news about Scott “Scooter” Ward, KU’s associate athletics director/academic and career counseling. He suffered a tear in his aorta Friday morning and underwent surgery.

“It was tough. All you can do is pray, put it in God’s hands,” Wiggins said.

Ward works primarily with the volleyball and men’s basketball programs, and the Jayhawks couldn’t be more grateful for all the help he gave them during their collegiate careers.

“Usually when you’re a recruit on campus, the first people you meet is the academic people and the head coach,” Morningstar said. “That’s how important he is to keeping guys eligible, getting guys eligible and keeping them on track to graduate. That’s the most important thing about going to school is getting a degree.

“We’re all just praying for him and his family. Hopefully he can make it through this situation.”