POLL: Should We Go to the NIT?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

And how strongly do you feel about it?

There's a vanishingly small chance we could make the Big Dance, but if we don't, we certainly ought to get an NIT bid (barring a total flame-out).

I was very mad that we passed on the NIT 2 years ago. I understand there were reasons other than just sulking that drove that decision, but speaking as a fan, more games are better.

Which is to say that I strongly favor going to the NIT, if that's the route we need to take to keep playing.

What about you?

 

[gunslingerdick]

The purpose of playing in the NIT historically is the benefit of more court time for young players that will be returning next year. It's a good teaching moment for them. But with the portal like it is now and the unlikelihood that most of our players return, what's the point now? Hell, our coach may not even be back. So I feel like there is much less benefit than there used to be. Frankly, I'll be surprised if the NIT is around in another 5 years.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

i’d propose we decline the invite and start the “moving on from Hubert” process quickly.

 

[kevindow]

March Madness currently invites 68 teams for the field. If UNC or any other college team is not in the top 68 teams, I believe they have not earned the privilege of playing in a post-season tournament. I regard the NIT just like the many worthless football bowls, involving marginal teams, which have no significance.

 

[vbrs]

I would rather go than not but I will not be crushed if we don't.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Playing brings experience to those who might return and exposes some to the playoff atmosphere. It also brings money to the program. I see no downside to going to the NIT. Peeps can speculate all they want to about who will or will not be here, but I love seeing my team play so this means more games!

I am still expecting an NCAA run but I will cheer just as hard if we go to the NIT!

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

March Madness currently invites 68 teams for the field. If UNC or any other college team is not in the top 68 teams, I believe they have not earned the privilege of playing in a post-season tournament. I regard the NIT just like the many worthless football bowls, involving marginal teams, which have no significance.

That's what I said when they wanted to increase the field from 16 to 22. If you couldn't make the top 16, you clearly didn't deserve to continue playing.

My father took that same position when the NCAAT was doubled from 8 to 16 in 1951. I was too young to argue but obviously he was wrong.

I'm kidding, of course. I personally think the NCAAT should go to a 96-team field, with the top 32 getting a first round bye.

This Wiki article has lots of nifty info about the NCAAT.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_men's_basketball_tournament

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

i’d propose we decline the invite and start the “moving on from Hubert” process quickly.

Many people say that we declined the NIT 2 years ago so Hubert could move on quickly from several of his players.

Moving on quickly from Hubert sort of sounds like symmetry or karma, or both.

 

[gosburn]

Start the roster rebuild asap.