NIT – The drive to be the 66th best team in the land

Posted by Fan Stop Central On March - 12 - 2007

Some of the top noteables left out of the NCAA and are heading to the NIT include:

Missouri State
Kansas State
Florida State
Syracuse
Illinois
Clemson
West Virginia

At one time this tournament was regarded as prestigious. It was an honor to be “invited” to the National Invitation Tournament. Now, it’s the step-child to the NCAA’s Big Dance. However, it’s still a post-season tournament. Teams are still alive and playing together, and teams can still get some extra work in together.

Make no mistake though, it is NOT and should not be considered acceptable to be playing in the NIT – especially for teams of the like listed above who have a tradition in the NCAA.

Probably the most disappointing team on the list is Missouri State. In 1986 (not long after moving to Division I), the Bears made a splash nationally in the NIT by beating Pitt and Marquette before finally losing in the quarterfinals to Florida. In 1987, MSU made its first trip to the NCAA tournament and upset Clemson, and narrowly lost to eventual champion Kansas. The Bears have made appearances in ’87, ’88, ’89, ’90, ’92 and ’99. 1999 marked the Bears deepest run in the tournament, knocking off Tennessee and Wisconsin to reach the Sweet 16 against ACC power, Duke – this under the watch of Steve Alford, who left after that run for Iowa.

Bears fans have been frustrated ever since. Barry Hinson has been at the helm, although some could say that the program has been like a rudderless ship at times. Since taking over as head coach, Hinson has led the Bears to only three post-season appearances (all NIT), and has left the fan-base (who had grown accustom to NCAA appearances) with a bad taste and a longing for the grit and determination of what used to be.

We’ll see how 2007 turns out for the Bears as they host San Diego State, as a possible matchup with Syracuse is on the horizon with a win.

Printable 2007 NCAA Bracket