Would you be happy with a nit bid?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I have a buddy who is insistent on not playing in the NIT. Nobody wants to play in the NIT other then VD. But given how this year started I think a NIT bid says a lot. Of course this is only if they don’t make the dance which we all want first. So with that said are you okay with a NIT bid this year or are we too big time(my friends view) to be in it.

[drudy23]

No.

[muskiefan82]

Hmmmm.....I think any chance for Steele to continue to work with this team in real games is something that can't be underestimated. I think you take the NIT if that is what is offered, but maybe not do any of those other CBI/CIT things if it comes to that. Right now, just win and get in.

[GoMuskies]

Should have voted this year only instead of "Hell yeah". But my real reaction was "Hell yeah! But this year only". So I guess I'm a hybrid!

[Xville]

Only reason I would be somewhat ok with it, is because it would give Steele more time to develop as a head coach.

[Xavier]

Making the tournament is a bare minimum expectation. I wouldn't be happy with NIT.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I wouldn't be happy (as a general rule) but we are in no way too big time to play in the NIT. UK played in the NIT a few years ago.

I voted any X basketball is good basketball. Giving Steele more time to develop as a coach, especially in a tournament scenario is good in my book.

I would be pleasantly surprised at getting into the NIT this year given how the season was going but in general I am not happy with making the NIT as the NCAA is always the expectation.

[xudash]

I voted for the comic relief and factual second option, due to the NIT and VD being so right for each other.

In reality, as has been stated - THIS YEAR ONLY - because:

1. More development time for Steele.

2. More development time for the remaining players.

3. Whichever teams we go up against in New York (why not assume F4 and championship game), we can provide them personal tours of MSG due to our familiarity with the place.

Seriously, the fact that we can even have a thread like this speaks to the resiliency of this team and coaching staff. Sunday looms huge.

[Muskie]

A chance for our young coach and younger players to get more games in? Yes please. A chance for Zach, Kyle, and Ryan to have a chance at Post season play in their final seasons? Of course.




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[OTRMUSKIE]

For the record you can turn it down under one condition.

When asked if teams were obligated to play in the NIT, Newton said, "Yeah. Unless they let you know (otherwise at the beginning of the season

[XUOHTX]

No.

This is the correct answer.

[sirthought]

I root for the program no matter who or where they play. More games to watch is more games. So, yeah, knowing that they have a snowball's chance of making the NCAA, I'd love for them to play in the NIT.

[Lloyd Braun]

Yes and there isn’t a good reason not to.

[hydmuskie]

Agree with those that said it gave Steele and the team more opportunity to work together, but I am also a big fan of learning how to deal with adversity. Even the greatest amongst us have to taste failure and eat humble pie... It's important to know what that feels like - even if it is to ensure that you never find yourself in that spot again.

So yea - I say go the NIT - as a purgatory to getting back to the NCAA

[XU 87]

At this point, "Yes".

[GetUp5]

This is a good debate. I voted "this year only". But the question was "would you be happy with" and no i would not be happy with it. But I would play in it.

The only thing worse than teams like Dayton enjoying NIT bids are the teams that are "too big time" for the NIT.

Trust me, I don't think this will happen, but if X wins out they are 18-13 (10-8) with wins and they've suddenly piled up some decent wins.. @ Hall, @ SJU, @ Butler and home vs. Creighton, Nova and SJU. Stranger things....

[XU 87]

This is a good debate. I voted "this year only". But the question was "would you be happy with" and no i would not be happy with it. But I would play in it.

The only thing worse than teams like Dayton enjoying NIT bids are the teams that are "too big time" for the NIT.

Trust me, I don't think this will happen, but if X wins out they are 18-13 (10-8) with wins and they've suddenly piled up some decent wins.. @ Hall, @ SJU, @ Butler and home vs. Creighton, Nova and SJU. Stranger things....

If X wins out and finishes 10-8 in the league, and can win two games in the BE tourney, I think they get an NCAA bid.

Now the odds of that happening are a different story, but at least we can still talk (dream?) about it.

[XUGRAD80]

It’s been a long time ago, but 2 of my most favorite memories of Xavier basketball revolve around the NIT....one, beating the suckeyes in front of a sold out Cincinnati Gardens crowd and.... two, an epic comeback against Princton to win their NIT regional and earn a trip to NY for the finals.

So...this year only....for me

[Caf]

The only thing worse than not making the NCAA is not making the NIT, so bring it on. Some powerhouse programs have played in the NIT fairly recently.

[XUOHTX]

We're passed the point of ever being happy playing in the NIT.

[XfansinKy]

I would rather the NIT than nothing. Those other lower tournaments aren't worth it financially for the program.

[MHettel]

Point in time answer....

No, I would not be happy. Because i believe, and it's debatable, that we could get real consdieration for an at-large if we win out conference and take a game or 2 in the BET. And before anyone reacts, please note that I said we'd get CONSIDERATION, which is much different than saying we'd get a bid.

If we lose one more conference game, then we're out of at-large consideration and I would take an NIT bid and hope they do their best.

What I'm really hoping AGAINST is that we DONT get an NIT invite, which means we likely stumbled at the end.

[xu koop scoop]

NIT ok for sure. Watching more games is entertaining. A chance for another Cintas game would be nice. I also remember us beating Ohio St in NIT & being ecstatic. A chance for another NIT Title also. I also think 9-9 in our league including a Nova victory, plus 1 BE Tourney win might punch our ticket. There are always weak teams getting 11 or 12 seeds

[noteggs]

I just love watching X basketball and voted as such. Yea NIT is not desirable but gaining coaching experience in tournament play will help Steele and team.

Unfortunately I even took a look at NIT bracketology...Gosh I’m such a loser.

[xudash]

I just love watching X basketball and voted as such. Yea NIT is not desirable but gaining coaching experience in tournament play will help Steele and team.

Unfortunately I even took a look at NIT bracketology...Gosh I’m such a loser.

You're a FAN, not a LOSER.

[XUBison]

No, the NIT would not make me happy whatsoever. But I would watch, I would cheer for us to win, and I’d be pissed if we didn’t. To be honest, once it started, I’d probably find myself lying awake at night thinking about how the brackets could play out to break in our favor. On second thought, better ask me after we’ve cut down the nets at MSG.

[bleedXblue]

The NIT would mean we finished the year with a winning record which would be huge considering who we have left on our schedule. So, yes I would be happy. The other options would be no invite which would mean we either shit the bed.......or, continued the run and got at auto or at large :overheated:

[GIMMFD]

I'd be happy with the NIT this year only, especially because during the 6 game losing streak it seemed plausible we could lose out. We were playing some bad basketball, but the guys have gotten it sorted out a little, and found ways to win games. The NIT would mean extra practices to allow our players to develop, more court time against decent opponents, and it would help Steele have more time to work on in-game adjustments and running practices. For this year, the NIT would be great, unless of course we go on The Run Part Deaux and get into the NCAAs.

[XUGRAD80]

Best way I can describe it is to say that I could live with it, but I wouldn’t love it. I don’t think that anybody would be “happy” about it though. I’m sure that (unlike many many years ago) the NIT wasn’t a part of the team goals at the beginning of the season. But realistically, it’s probably about where this year’s team should end up. We all (or 99% of us) thought that the returners would take a big step forward in their careers and that the incoming players would all be solid and valuable contributors. These things have happened at times and to some degree, but it hasn’t been consistent nor to the level of expectations. Not complaining, just being realistic. This team isn’t as good as we all thought, or at least hoped, it would be. But if they can play well enough in their last 4-7 games this year to get an NIT bid, it will mean that they didn’t quit.....and THAT is something to build upon.

[xudash]

Best way I can describe it is to say that I could live with it, but I wouldn’t love it. I don’t think that anybody would be “happy” about it though. I’m sure that (unlike many many years ago) the NIT wasn’t a part of the team goals at the beginning of the season. But realistically, it’s probably about where this year’s team should end up. We all (or 99% of us) thought that the returners would take a big step forward in their careers and that the incoming players would all be solid and valuable contributors. These things have happened at times and to some degree, but it hasn’t been consistent nor to the level of expectations. Not complaining, just being realistic. This team isn’t as good as we all thought, or at least hoped, it would be. But if they can play well enough in their last 4-7 games this year to get an NIT bid, it will mean that they didn’t quit.....and THAT is something to build upon.

And that Coach Steele found his footing and is set for a solid future. Footing that was found under very difficult transitional circumstances.

[skyking]

Asking if we would be " happy" is not the question. Should we accept if invited? Yes. Why not?

[noteggs]

You're a FAN, not a LOSER.

Guess I’m just used to my wife calling me a loser. But you know what, she’s the one who spent 4 years at Dayton and the last 23 married to me. Who’s the real loser! Ha!

[xudash]

Guess I’m just used to my wife calling me a loser. But you know what, she’s the one who spent 4 years at Dayton and the last 23 married to me. Who’s the real loser! Ha!

We have a saying in the South: "Bless her heart."

[noteggs]

We have a saying in the South: "Bless her heart."

That is such an art form for people of the South. Demean (not really) someone and make you feel good leaving at the same time! Gosh I miss living in the South. Honestly, never met a better group of people!

[UCGRAD4X]

I originally said any Xavier Basketball is good basketball....and began rethinking that premise after reflecting on the recent skid.

I'm firmly in the not 'happy' but would be 'ok' with it, basically because I never want the season to end (as I sadly expressed in another thread).

I'm also one of those guys who is disappointed with anything less that a NC. That last loss always stick with me.

Even if they would end up winning the NIT, their would be the caveat...

In general, I'm just a sad, sad, little man.

[94GRAD]

I originally said any Xavier Basketball is good basketball....and began rethinking that premise after reflecting on the recent skid.

I'm firmly in the not 'happy' but would be 'ok' with it, basically because I never want the season to end (as I sadly expressed in another thread).

I'm also one of those guys who is disappointed with anything less that a NC. That last loss always stick with me.

Even if they would end up winning the NIT, their would be the caveat...

In general, I'm just a sad, sad, little man.

BUSTED! I always knew Mick Cronin was posting on here.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well after yesterday’s loss we went from
A 3 seed to out if the NIT. So I think X def needs to win the beast to get in the dance otherwise it’s kNITting season or nothing at all.

[OTRMUSKIE]

https://www.dratings.com/predictor/bracketology/

[GoMuskies]

Having followed both teams pretty closely all year, I'm not sure I can come up with a scenario that makes sense involving Wichita State being in the NIT and Xavier being out of it (unless that scenario involves Xavier in the NCAA Tournament).

[Xville]

Originally I said I'd be ok with it this year, now if x doesnt make the real tourney, I'd rather just have the season be over. The nit is stupid.

[xu koop scoop]

Overjoyed with NIT Bid. The season continues. Beating out 32 teams in a tourney is a great feat. If we don't beat ST J & 1 BE Tourney win ~ then no NIT. More Cintas Fun. Remember watching X take down Ohio St in NIT. X taking down Dayton in 1958 to Win NIT. Watched Robert Morris take down Kentucky in NIT & R M fans going wild while UK Players were stunned. We can play Guess our NIT Seed. I think our players would be proud as can be to Win 5 Straight for NIT Title. Still hope for NCAA, but about 250 schools would be happy to play NCAA or NIT

[whopper]

this St Johns game is very important now that Butler is behind us. Lets pray for a great senior night like last year. I would love to see us in the NIT if we don't win the Big East.

[vee4xu]

Given that this team was headed to 20 losses overall and 4-5 conference wins just three weeks ago, the answer to this poll question seems obvious.

[xuwin]

this St Johns game is very important now that Butler is behind us. Lets pray for a great senior night like last year. I would love to see us in the NIT if we don't win the Big East.

Xavier doesn't have any seniors do they unless you count grad transfers as seniors.

[xuwin]

Given that this team was headed to 20 losses overall and 4-5 conference wins just three weeks ago, the answer to this poll question seems obvious.

I agree. When Xavier was 11-13 I was seriously wondering if they could win another game. They did not give up.

[IM4X]

Given that this team was headed to 20 losses overall and 4-5 conference wins just three weeks ago, the answer to this poll question seems obvious.

Not to NIT...

because X is getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament when they win the BE tournament @ MSG.

Why is this not an option in the poll?

This team is going on another 5 game (and maybe even longer) winning streak.

[gladdenguy]

Not to NIT...

because X is getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament when they win the BE tournament @ MSG.

Why is this not an option in the poll?

This team is going on another 5 game (and maybe even longer) winning streak.

Let me know your address. I will send you a check if this happens. I will be so happy to give you money.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I know X is winning the Beast but as of right now they would play IU at home in the NIT. Got to think the tas will be pact for that one. We will never know Bc we arnt going kNITting but just saying.

[Xavier]

I think the only way Cintas would be packed for an NIT game would be playing a former coach. Probably for a top program like Duke, too.

[OTRMUSKIE]

It was sold out for that Princeton game or close to it. It was formthe right to go to the final 4 but that was one of the greatest memories in X history. But won’t matter Bc we are dancing baby so I’ll stfu

[bjf123]

But won’t matter Bc we are dancing baby so I’ll stfu

Wish I shared your enthusiasm.


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[IM4X]

Let me know your address. I will send you a check if this happens. I will be so happy to give you money.

And I will be SO happy to make you happy by accepting your money. Now exactly how big of a check are we talking about? Just so you know, I am not opposed to receiving checks with lots of zeros at the end.

[X-man]

It was sold out for that Princeton game or close to it. It was formthe right to go to the final 4 but that was one of the greatest memories in X history. But won’t matter Bc we are dancing baby so I’ll stfu

Totally agree. In fact I said to friends at the game Saturday that the NIT win against Princeton is one of my favorite memories of games at the Gardens. When they put Sinatra's "NY,NY" on the speakers and everyone began dancing, I thought I was in heaven.

[XUGRAD80]

Totally agree. In fact I said to friends at the game Saturday that the NIT win against Princeton is one of my favorite memories of games at the Gardens. When they put Sinatra's "NY,NY" on the speakers and everyone began dancing, I thought I was in heaven.


Same here....a GREAT moment in Xavier history.

Not saying that it would be the ultimate, but it certainly didn’t feel disappointing at the time.

[GoMuskies]

Being in that position with that team was INCREDIBLY disappointing, but the way they came back to win that game was a nice send-off for that era of Xavier basketball.

[OTRMUSKIE]

And I will be SO happy to make you happy by accepting your money. Now exactly how big of a check are we talking about? Just so you know, I am not opposed to receiving checks with lots of zeros at the end.

I have a feeling there will be lots of zeros at the beginning too

[Xville]

It was sold out for that Princeton game or close to it. It was formthe right to go to the final 4 but that was one of the greatest memories in X history. But won’t matter Bc we are dancing baby so I’ll stfu

Xavier's program is in a different stratosphere than the one that existed twenty years ago. Getting Excited about beating Princeton is kind of a joke at this point, even if it was for a "final four" appearence.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier's program is in a different stratosphere than the one that existed twenty years ago. Getting Excited about beating Princeton is kind of a joke at this point, even if it was for a "final four" appearence.

I mean, this is kind of true, but it lacks quite a bit of perspective and nuance.

#1: That Xavier team started the season with MUCH higher expectations than this Xavier team did. They were ranked #17 in the preseason polls. THAT Xavier team being in the NIT was infinitely more disappointing than this team potentially being in the NIT.

#2: Princeton was also a VERY different animal back then. Pete Carrill had just retired, and Bill Carmody still had them playing at a very high level. Penn vs. Princeton was a big deal then, and in 1999 Penn won out, but Princeton was still pretty darned good.

#3: That game wasn't legendary because people were excited about it beforehand and thought it was a huge win in a vacuum. No, that game only became legendary because Xavier was getting its ass beaten by a team that played with the slowest, most methodical pace of any team in the country. No fucking way were we rallying to win against THOSE guys. The joy around that game was completely spontaneous. No one expected to be that emotionally invested in an NIT game when they walked into the building. Even in 1999 we were WAY, WAY beyond that. But the game itself was magic.

[Xville]

I mean, this is kind of true, but it lacks quite a bit of perspective and nuance.

#1: That Xavier team started the season with MUCH higher expectations than this Xavier team did. They were ranked #17 in the preseason polls. THAT Xavier team being in the NIT was infinitely more disappointing than this team potentially being in the NIT.

#2: Princeton was also a VERY different animal back then. Pete Carrill had just retired, and Bill Carmody still had them playing at a very high level. Penn vs. Princeton was a big deal then, and in 1999 Penn won out, but Princeton was still pretty darned good.

#3: That game wasn't legendary because people were excited about it beforehand and thought it was a huge win in a vacuum. No, that game only became legendary because Xavier was getting its ass beaten by a team that played with the slowest, most methodical pace of any team in the country. No fucking way were we rallying to win against THOSE guys. The joy around that game was completely spontaneous. No one expected to be that emotionally invested in an NIT game when they walked into the building. Even in 1999 we were WAY, WAY beyond that. But the game itself was magic.

Fair enough. I guess what I meant by my comment had more to do with the attendance. I don't think Cintas would be at or near a sellout for an NIT game...maybe I'm wrong but I just don't see it.

[xudash]

I mean, this is kind of true, but it lacks quite a bit of perspective and nuance.

#1: That Xavier team started the season with MUCH higher expectations than this Xavier team did. They were ranked #17 in the preseason polls. THAT Xavier team being in the NIT was infinitely more disappointing than this team potentially being in the NIT.

#2: Princeton was also a VERY different animal back then. Pete Carrill had just retired, and Bill Carmody still had them playing at a very high level. Penn vs. Princeton was a big deal then, and in 1999 Penn won out, but Princeton was still pretty darned good.

#3: That game wasn't legendary because people were excited about it beforehand and thought it was a huge win in a vacuum. No, that game only became legendary because Xavier was getting its ass beaten by a team that played with the slowest, most methodical pace of any team in the country. No fucking way were we rallying to win against THOSE guys. The joy around that game was completely spontaneous. No one expected to be that emotionally invested in an NIT game when they walked into the building. Even in 1999 we were WAY, WAY beyond that. But the game itself was magic.

I watched it in a bar while on a business trip to NYC. The people sitting around me started watching it with me. It was what is called solid content in the realm of sports programming. Very entertaining. And certainly enjoyable for Xavier fans.

It was only an NIT game, but that Princeton NIT game became one of the building blocks on which this program now firmly rests.

[GoMuskies]

Fair enough. I guess what I meant by my comment had more to do with the attendance. I don't think Cintas would be at or near a sellout for an NIT game...maybe I'm wrong but I just don't see it.

You're probably right, but here's what I've noticed about the NIT: the first round games are brutal. Almost no one is excited about being there: fans, players, coaches, etc. But...once you get to the second round, teams/fans/etc. seem to look around and notice that all but 16 teams have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, so while the NIT isn't all that exciting, at least we're still playing. I could see Cintas getting pretty close to full after the momentum builds a bit with two NIT wins. The reality at that point becomes, hey, NIT Xavier basketball beats no Xavier basketball at all!

[xudash]

You're probably right, but here's what I've noticed about the NIT: the first round games are brutal. Almost no one is excited about being there: fans, players, coaches, etc. But...once you get to the second round, teams/fans/etc. seem to look around and notice that all but 16 teams have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, so while the NIT isn't all that exciting, at least we're still playing. I could see Cintas getting pretty close to full after the momentum builds a bit with two NIT wins. The reality at that point becomes, hey, NIT Xavier basketball beats no Xavier basketball at all!

And we kinda have mentioned it many times: it's a good idea for this season, in particular, because:

1. We have a new head coach - let him gain seasoning, especially tournament play seasoning.

2. Reward the fan base with a little more hoops.

3. Allow Castlin, Hankins and Welage a taste of post-season play. I mean, think of the narrative for them down the road, we never made it to the NCAAT, but we actually made it back to NYC for the NIT championship yada, yada.

[xucub]

In 1984, Xavier drew 9600 fans to the Gardens for games against Ohio State and Nebraska. I would project that fans are interested in first and second round NIT games.

[chico]

In 1984, Xavier drew 9600 fans to the Gardens for games against Ohio State and Nebraska. I would project that fans are interested in first and second round NIT games.

You can't compare the attendance from 35 years ago when the NIT was an accomplishment for the program, to now where the NCAA is expected pretty much every year.

[XUGRAD80]

In 1984, Xavier drew 9600 fans to the Gardens for games against Ohio State and Nebraska. I would project that fans are interested in first and second round NIT games.

Back then (and I was at those games) it was seen as “big time” basketball, which was certainly a new thing for Xavier basketball of that period. Seeing X play a team from the Big 12 in Nebraska, and also Ohio State, on their home court was a BIG deal.

The Princeton game was not sold out, if I remember correctly I bought a walk up ticket and sat in one of the corners pretty low down near the court. Been a long time, and my memory isn’t always correct, but I do remember going to X games at the gardens many times where it was not at capacity. I believe that X has a much larger season ticket base now, than it did back then, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see empty seats at a 1st or 2nd round game in Cintas.

[OTRMUSKIE]

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/18/sports/colleges-national-invitation-tournament-xavier-gains-semifinal-princeton-s.html

[OTRMUSKIE]

Princeton 7.815
Wake forest 8,712
Nebraska 9,519
OSU 9,715

[GoMuskies]

https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/18/sports/colleges-national-invitation-tournament-xavier-gains-semifinal-princeton-s.html

Cool find....except that I had blissfully forgotten "Mr. 359 Dunk" Lloyd Price.

[X-band '01]

Cool find....except that I had blissfully forgotten "Mr. 359 Dunk" Lloyd Price.

You can never forget a nickname like 359.

[Cheesehead]

I would go to NIT games but it’s not what Xavier expects or wants. Steele will get Xavier back to the dance.

[OTRMUSKIE]

All I wanted this year was to keep the streak alive. I thought they be a PIG type team/ NIT team and that have proved to be that. I think the NIT will be a lot of fun if they get left out of the dance. VD, OSU, INDIANA are all possible NIT opponents. OSU shouldn’t be in the dance if they lose first game but we will see.

[GoMuskies]

Loser of OSU/IU should be in the NIT.

[XUGRAD80]

With NKU winning the Horizon, I see a Wright State-XU 1st round game as a real possibility.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I am 99% sure it will be VD vs X. And since VD can’t play at home first game they come
Here right? Just win the next 3 Bois paleeeeese

[muskiefan82]

I think Wright St. vs. VD at the Nutter Center would be a good one.

[UCGRAD4X]

How many home games might we expect to get in the NIT?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would go to an NIT game.

Problem is if we lose tomorrow I am not 100% sold we get into the NIT. IS everyone else? There seem to be quite a few spots already being gobbled up by regular season conference champs who have lost in their conference tourneys. We beat Creighton I think we get in but we dont I wouldnt be totally surprised to see us left out depending on how many more small teams take up spots.

[GoMuskies]

I think we’d get in. May be a bit tight, but we’ll get there. There are probably 20 spots available after the auto bids. I think we’re one of the top 20 after the NCAA Tournament takes their picks.

[stammina0721]

Don't forget guys even in very recent history teams like UNC and Syracuse have played in the NIT. It happens and still provided great experience and exposure

[KabeX]

May this thread be burned beyond all recognition and wiped from our collective Muskie Memory. Soon. Like in 3 days.

[drudy23]

Loser of OSU/IU should be in the NIT.

Both belong in the NIT.

[XUBison]

Time to win the BET... Get this pathetic thread off my screen!

[slysyl]

Two more wins and we dance; I love to dance, man we gotta dance ; GO XAVIER.

[kellernr]

X has to jump st. John's, Georgetown and Creighton after tonight. Jhonnies and Hoyas got/getting embarrassed tonight

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[bjf123]

Johnnies still shown as last 4 in and Creighton as first 4 out.


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[xumuskies08]

Feel like X *should have* jumped a whole wreck of teams today. A win tomorrow and things could get REALLY interesting.

[kellernr]

Johnnies still shown as last 4 in and Creighton as first 4 out.


Sent from my iPad using TapatalkStill has Indiana ahead of X. That's crazy. 8-12 in conference 17-15 overall

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