Getting to this point is such a significant accomplishment for any program, with the history and tradition of the NIT. It really is a big thrill - particularly for our seniors. It has been well documented how much they have done for our program, and it is very fitting that we have an opportunity to compete for a championship in their final game in their final year.
Quotes about nit (16 Quotes)
We missed out on the NCAA Tournament, we got bumped out. It was tough, but we came back and won the NIT championship. It means so much to us. It's all good, baby.
The plan is in action. First year I wanted to get to .500. The next year a NIT berth. This year we have a chance at 17 or 18 wins. The plan is in action.
I know everybody was looking forward to the (NCAA) tournament . . . Now, it's kind of like when you don't meet your goal, it's the other one (NIT). But how many basketball games do you get to play in your life You got to play every game like it's your last one.
They have an opportunity to add to it if we're fortunate to come out on top. To have a chance to raise another banner and for them to win their last game, with two NIT championships, would be a phenomenal achievement. We talked about how we didn't finish strong in the regular season but we wanted to finish right. I can't think of a way, based on where we are now, that we aren't finishing right this season.
In the early 70's you had wonderful games and attention for two competing tournaments. Gradually the NCAA decided it was worth more and more money to drive the NIT into second class status.
Right now, the guys are so hurt. I don't want to shortchange the NIT because we're going to be a part of it. It's not the tournament we wanted to be in. But you know what It's still an accomplishment for us to get our team into the postseason.
We don't make that decision. The NIT is money generated and if the NIT powers say we want you to play at home, we will. ... But if it was my decision, I would like to take this basketball team on the road. Because we compete well at home, but for the guys that are returning next year we've got to fight through on the road.
It wasn't too long ago we were 14-8 and had the whole postseason ahead of us. Now we're fighting just to stay in touch for the NIT, let alone an NCAA bid.
Adolfus Nit was lazy;
He dilly-dallied every day;
His life was dreamy, slow and hazy,
And indolent in every way.
I have great expectations for our basketball program. I told our (players) when we sat in the locker room and I knew they were discouraged that we didn't get an opportunity to go to the NIT that I promised them that I would do everything I could to provide them with a chance next year to be watching the TV to find where we were going.
The whole NIT we're playing great defense, that's what we're trying to stress. We talked about, we can't hang our heads because we had injuries, we can't hang our heads because we're young. If you can head to the NIT Final Four, it means you're playing good basketball.
A lot of people had us not making it here or the NIT. Winning four games in four days was a great accomplishment for us. For the younger guys here it gives them confidence going into next year.
The timing of this action, with our team battling for a trip to the NIT final four, is incredibly unfortunate. I am very disappointed in how this affects the student-athletes, our coaching staff, the university and our fans.
Primarily, the result represents what was best for college basketball at this time. It ensures we will continue to have an undisputed national champion every year, and at same time be able to preserve the tradition and heritage of the storied NIT.
I think everybody was disappointed Friday. I don't ever want this program to be satisfied playing in the NIT. That is not our goal. But the NIT is a great tournament, the longest running tournament in college basketball. We're excited to be playing in it. There is always a positive in everything and the positive in this is that we get to play at home again.