The Iona men's basketball team received a sendoff fit for champions as they headed off to the NCAA Basketball Tournament in Albany. 

The Gaels will open the 2023 Tournament as the 13-seed in the West region. 

The team is set to play against the UConn Huskies on Friday for their first game. 

"We haven't played a team like UCONN yet, but we know they're good. We're just going to play to win," says Berrick Jean Louise, of the Iona basketball team. 

This year the tournament takes place in Albany which means it is close enough for the Gael fan base to come and support the team.  

Jean Louise states, “That will mean a lot to the team because it means our fans can travel… We’re excited for them to support us." 

Former President Barack Obama put out his bracket today and even he's got the Gaels going to the Sweet 16.