Nit

[GoMuskies]

Who hyped?

[drudy23]

I will 100% not watch this team play in the NIT. What's the point?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I mean if you're in it might as well win it. But I dont have any faith we'd win any game. And it feels way worse than it did in 2019 when I felt it could propel us into the following year with a good performance.

[drudy23]

I mean if you're in it might as well win it. But I dont have any faith we'd win any game. And it feels way worse than it did in 2019 when I felt it could propel us into the following year with a good performance.

There is no doubt that we would win a few games because they don't matter.

Marvin Steele

[xavierj]

I mean I guess you have to play but if you do you might as well play the guys who will be here next year and get them reps. Start Odom, Jones, Wilcher, Free and I guess Paul if he wants to play. If not start Tandy and just let them let it fly.

[drudy23]

I mean I guess you have to play but if you do you might as well play the guys who will be here next year and get them reps. Start Odom, Jones, Wilcher, Free and I guess Paul if he wants to play. If not start Tandy and just let them let it fly.

That's funny.

Gotta send Carter out with the full 40.

Scrap the NIT - no point.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Only 16 teams this year. Xavier won’t be in it I hope.

[IM4X]

Only 16 teams this year. Xavier won’t be in it I hope.

I hope you mean that as in by choice. It would be brutal for Steele if X didn’t even get an invite.

[XUBison]

I hope you mean that as in by choice. It would be brutal for Steele if X didn’t even get an invite.

Remember when Mack didn’t make the NIt, and we turned down an invite to the CBI, or ABC, XYZ, or whatever it was? Wasn’t it the next year we got crushed in the Dumpton PIG? Those were dark times.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I don’t even want an invite. It’s the NIT. It should be banned. There is only one tournament and the rest are pointless. I hope the season is over.

[UCGRAD4X]

I just want to watch Xavier play basketball.

I've been waiting for the majority of the last half of the season.

One way or another, we need further data and opportunity to evaluate the coaching staff for those of you still on the fence about this group.

[Final4]

Should they get an invite I hope they turn it down. They've already done enough damage to the brand.

[boozehound]

That's funny.

Gotta send Carter out with the full 40.

Scrap the NIT - no point.

That's a good point. Steele left 5 minutes on the table by only playing him 35 min against Butler. Missed opportunities.

[XUGRAD80]

Don’t know.....don’t care.



And that my friends is the real problem.....it’s gotten to a point where people just don’t care if they play or not. Never thought I’d feel that way about it.

[Muskie]

I'll watch because I like basketball. Extra games for the Underclassman. If Scruggs wants to play fine, but the underclassman need to get major minutes to make it worthwhile.

[SM#24]

I'm NIT positive, every year. We're pretty much assured of an invite. Everything I'm seeing is that we're in first or next four 4 out right now. For the NIT, you just need to be in the next 16 out.
The NIT is bubbled in the North Dallas area. Not doing it, but it would make for a good golf trip. Just stay the whole 11 days under the assumption we'll get to the finals.

[xuphan]

I just want to watch Xavier play basketball.

I've been waiting for the majority of the last half of the season.

One way or another, we need further data and opportunity to evaluate the coaching staff for those of you still on the fence about this group.

Steele has been the coach for three seasons. There is lots of data there.

[D-West & PO-Z]

For the NIT, you just need to be in the next 16 out.


We should definitely make it but anyone at the bottom of those 16 teams wont. The reg season conference winners of 1 bid leagues get an auto bid to the NIT if they dont win their conference tourney. I think there are at least 2 or 3 of those so far.

[UCGRAD4X]

Steele has been the coach for three seasons. There is lots of data there.

Obviously! :handshake:

[stammina0721]

I won't watch another game as long as Steele is HC of this team.

[xavierj]

I won't watch another game as long as Steele is HC of this team.

Damn you won’t see another Xavier game for a long time. Just adopt UC.

[xavierj]

Steele has been the coach for three seasons. There is lots of data there.

There was a lot of data with Josh Pastner too. He just won the ACC championship. Georgia Tech plays 4 seniors and 2 juniors in their top6. Travis has to do better but the team was very young especially after Johnson went down. Have to get older and stay older.

[OTRMUSKIE]

He didn’t win the ACC. He won the Covid invitational. Josh P is an awful coach and he needs to parlay this BS into a mega trillion deal.

[OTRMUSKIE]

So Ohio U gives us Jason Carter, they go to the dance. Thanks Bobcats!!!!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Damn you won’t see another Xavier game for a long time. Just adopt UC.

I don’t hate UC like I use to but they will be destroyed tomorrow. UC is awful. 5 guys quit on them this year I believe. Maybe that’s an exaggeration. UC has zero chance tomorrow.

[Masterofreality]

He didn’t win the ACC. He won the Covid invitational. Josh P is an awful coach and he needs to parlay this BS into a mega trillion deal.

This^^^^^^^^^

[Xavier]

I guess covid is only an acceptable excuse if it positively impacts your team.

[xavierj]

I don’t hate UC like I use to but they will be destroyed tomorrow. UC is awful. 5 guys quit on them this year I believe. Maybe that’s an exaggeration. UC has zero chance tomorrow.

So 5 guys quit yet they are 9-3 since a long covid pause? Maybe Brannen can coach.

[XUOWNSUC]

So 5 guys quit yet they are 9-3 since a long covid pause? Maybe Brannen can coach.

Yep. We made the wrong hire.

I definitely want Xavier to play in the NIT - our coach needs the practice/experience.

[Muskie in dayton]

There is no doubt that we would win a few games because they don't matter.

Marvin Steele
Win or lose, there is no doubt they will look terrible doing it.

Travis Shula

[Lamont Sanford]

I don’t hate UC like I use to but they will be destroyed tomorrow. UC is awful. 5 guys quit on them this year I believe. Maybe that’s an exaggeration. UC has zero chance tomorrow.

The Buttcats are one upset of Houston away from dancing while Coach Aluminum and staff will be watching from his office. That would be just fitting for this season. It could very well happen.

Thanks a lot China (for the virus) and Coach Aluminum (for underachieving as usual)!

[SM#24]

We should definitely make it but anyone at the bottom of those 16 teams wont. The reg season conference winners of 1 bid leagues get an auto bid to the NIT if they dont win their conference tourney. I think there are at least 2 or 3 of those so far.

Not this year, no auto bids.

[SM#24]

Selection show at 8:30 tonight on the U. Very exciting times for Xavier Nation.

[Masterofreality]

Selection show at 8:30 tonight on the U. Very exciting times for Xavier Nation.

Will Steele have the team over to his house to watch?

[SM#24]

Will Steele have the team over to his house to watch?

masks ablazin'

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not this year, no auto bids.

Ah thanks. Didn’t realize that.

[OTRMUSKIE]

We should just go ahead and build a viewing house with Dayton. Every year we can have a huge viewing party for the NIT.

[AviatorX]

I don’t know why anyone around any program (outside of those who rarely if ever get a taste of any postseason) would extend this mess of a season for the NIT. I imagine this would be an easy pass.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Word on street is X, Hall and St John’s to turn down NIT invite. VD on the other hand have already started printing tickets and have closed the streets for a pep rally

[Xville]

Word on street is X, Hall and St John’s to turn down NIT invite. VD on the other hand have already started printing tickets and have closed the streets for a pep rally

Good... would be so effing stupid to play it especially this year

[xuphan]

Who hyped?

Could we see a Xavier vs Louisville first round matchup in the first round of the NIT? Buick Mack vs Oldsmobile Steele.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier has declined.

Of Course Coach Practice would say this! You Can’t get criticized/evaluated in a closed gym. Right Coach?


"Steele said. "As much as we would like to continue playing games, we decided that the best decision for the future of our program is to devote the extra allowable practice time in March to individual instruction"

Yup. Practice, not games. Typical.

[GoMuskies]

Well, that kind of sucks. Might be some interesting matchups to be had. It's hard to be particularly excited about the NIT, but Xavier basketball > No Xavier basketball.

[drudy23]

Honestly, I'm fine with it because I hate the NIT - but it does seem strange.

So do the players really stick around for a couple more weeks and practice? Or is this window dressing for something else?

[AviatorX]

Seems like basically every NCAA caliber program who didn’t make it is going to skip the NIT. Will be interesting to see where the field lands. But yeah Steele definitely trolling the board with that statement.

[GoMuskies]

I suggest spending 100% of the extra "individual instruction" time on Dwon's jumper.

[xeus]

Not a huge NIT fan either, but this is stupid.

Unless this decision was made to accelerate the the search for a new head coach, I am disappointed in Xavier making this call.

How can they be so obtuse?

[AviatorX]

I suggest spending 100% of the extra "individual instruction" time on Dwon's jumper.

Only if he’s recovered from blowing his knee out on those attempts against Butler.

[Xville]

Xavier has declined.

Of Course Coach Practice would say this! You Can’t get criticized/evaluated in a closed gym. Right Coach?


"Steele said. "As much as we would like to continue playing games, we decided that the best decision for the future of our program is to devote the extra allowable practice time in March to individual instruction"

Yup. Practice, not games. Typical.

I don’t care about the nit in general because I think it’s a gigantic waste of time, but his quote is hysterical. He’s a joke.

[Backyard Champ]

From what I’ve heard, not necessarily with Xavier but around college hoops in general: a lot of the players are sick of the covid protocols. Traveling is not particularly fun for teams. Considering the challenge most teams have had this year, it’s understandable why they’d want to end the season.

I don’t have a single issue with it. I understand why players wouldn’t want to continue this year. Any other year and I’d bet they would want to keep playing.

[XUOWNSUC]

Yes! Coach Practice gets more one on one time with the players! I am so excited and can't wait to see the improvement and growth next October as a result of this!

[AviatorX]

From what I’ve heard, not necessarily with Xavier but around college hoops in general: a lot of the players are sick of the covid protocols. Traveling is not particularly fun for teams. Considering the challenge most teams have had this year, it’s understandable why they’d want to end the season.

I don’t have a single issue with it. I understand why players wouldn’t want to continue this year. Any other year and I’d bet they would want to keep playing.

Totally agreed. I imagine a lot of guys across college basketball would rather just have a normal spring break (if it hasn’t already happened) than play in a bubble NIT in Dallas. These are human beings. Will be interesting to see what 16 teams sign up.

[SM#24]

I must be the rare person that likes the NIT. I also like the non-playoff bowl games.

[xavierj]

Yeah the players want no part of continuing the BS they had to deal with for the last year. Let them get away from the constant testing and stupid protocols and let them have their lives back for awhile. My son is a college athlete and the shit they have had to do is tiresome. They literally have no life during the season. Can’t go out to dinner, can’t hang with friends other than your roommates and can’t go out on dates or at least they are not supposed to. Constantly getting checked on to make sure they are following protocols. It has to suck for them. The right choice was made to benefit the actual players. Screw the fans who are pissed about this.

[markchal]

Who can't get hyped for more practice points and gold jerseys?!?!?!?

[Xville]

Don’t care about the nit. I’d hope that what happened is that the players got to decide and don’t blame them in the very least. I’d think Scruggs and carter would like to get on with their lives, and the younger guys probably couldn’t wait to turn the page on this year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

VD had no issue accepting the bid. That program lives for the NIT. I’m so glad X turned it down. I hope that means Steele is out the door.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I suggest spending 100% of the extra "individual instruction" time on Dwon's jumper.

HA, public reps, man is holding me down.

[D-West & PO-Z]

From what I’ve heard, not necessarily with Xavier but around college hoops in general: a lot of the players are sick of the covid protocols. Traveling is not particularly fun for teams. Considering the challenge most teams have had this year, it’s understandable why they’d want to end the season.

I don’t have a single issue with it. I understand why players wouldn’t want to continue this year. Any other year and I’d bet they would want to keep playing.

I agree. I don't know why X wouldnt just say thats what it is. Steele's answer is ridiculous.

[noteggs]

Yeah the players want no part of continuing the BS they had to deal with for the last year. Let them get away from the constant testing and stupid protocols and let them have their lives back for awhile. My son is a college athlete and the shit they have had to do is tiresome. They literally have no life during the season. Can’t go out to dinner, can’t hang with friends other than your roommates and can’t go out on dates or at least they are not supposed to. Constantly getting checked on to make sure they are following protocols. It has to suck for them. The right choice was made to benefit the actual players. Screw the fans who are pissed about this.

Sucks for all college students if some have been following.

[drudy23]

It's really no different than playing in the NIT - either way the season is over.

[WCWIII]

On the NIT ... U Conn won it (was it really way back in 1988?). Some U Conn faithful that I know look at that victory as a start of the success of the U Conn program. My feeling is the team is where it is where it is ... the cards dealt are their own. Accept the bid, play as hard as you can ... don't make excuses ... try to be champion of the 2nd tier tournament. I'm not entirely consistent ... no need for Xavier ever to accept a 3rd or 4th tier tourney bid.

Now this is a strange year. I can understand not accepting a bid because of COVID related issues. But if that's the reason, that should be made clear.

In fact, here is Seton Hall's (justification (https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/2021/03/14/seton-hall-basketball-nit/4679659001/?fbclid=IwAR01i312kqBStsXgaad2xeocuwOr5uBkfNTKCCIx ZZ2bINAP-5C4bYXaAZ0)) for turning down the NIT bid.

[Masterofreality]

NIT calls Xavier, Christopher answers phone.
NIT: Wanna play?
Christopher: Who would our 1st Round matchup be?
NIT: VDayton. They already accepted a bid. In 2 nanoseconds.
Christopher: Uh, nah. We good.

Joking.......sort of(?)

[JTG]

I must be the rare person that likes the NIT. I also like the non-playoff bowl games.

I understand the NIT, and it's history, and with 350 bball teams I see it as still being viable. Non-playoff bowl games, however I find to be an absurd waste of time. Most have been created in the last 25 years or so. With so many bowls, and so few D1 football schools, they are nothing more than a "participation trophy". Since you qualify by winning half your games, almost everyone plays. I probably haven't watched a minor bowl, since the '80s.

All that being said, I understand turning down the NIT. 2+ more weeks of Covid isolation in a bubble in Dallas, hardly seems worth it.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

NIT calls Xavier, Christopher answers phone.
NIT: Wanna play?
Christopher: Who would our 1st Round matchup be?
NIT: VDayton. They already accepted a bid. In 2 nanoseconds.
Christopher: Uh, nah. We good.

Joking.......sort of(?)

This or Louisville would not surprise me at all. Steele should have just said the canned Covid reason for not playing but he didn’t. If X gets paired with Dayton at home and loses, he get fired for certain and he knows it. I would love to know what is going on in their heads.

[AviatorX]

This or Louisville would not surprise me at all. Steele should have just said the canned Covid reason for not playing but he didn’t. If X gets paired with Dayton at home and loses, he get fired for certain and he knows it. I would love to know what is going on in their heads.

Louisville also opted out of the NIT (before they knew they weren't going dancing). So did Duke, St. Johns and Seton Hall. Actually only Ole Miss and NC State are in from major conferences. Dayton is a 4 seed in the NIT and matched up against one of the 1 seed which are the first four out (Memphis, Colorado State, SLU and Ole Miss), so that matchup would not have happened. Last but not least, no one is playing any home games in the NIT this year - it's all taking place in a bubble in Dallas.

There is plenty to complain about, but would be nice if we could keep it to things that aren't debunked with 90 seconds of thought.

[SM#24]

On the NIT ... U Conn won it (was it really way back in 1988?). Some U Conn faithful that I know look at that victory as a start of the success of the U Conn program. My feeling is the team is where it is where it is ... the cards dealt are their own. Accept the bid, play as hard as you can ... don't make excuses ... try to be champion of the 2nd tier tournament. I'm not entirely consistent ... no need for Xavier ever to accept a 3rd or 4th tier tourney bid.

Now this is a strange year. I can understand not accepting a bid because of COVID related issues. But if that's the reason, that should be made clear.

In fact, here is Seton Hall's (justification (https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/2021/03/14/seton-hall-basketball-nit/4679659001/?fbclid=IwAR01i312kqBStsXgaad2xeocuwOr5uBkfNTKCCIx ZZ2bINAP-5C4bYXaAZ0)) for turning down the NIT bid.

I agree with this. My first reaction to the teams that turned down a bid is get over yourselves. None of you are "too good" for the NIT; in fact, you're exactly good enough.
But given these are not normal times, I'm fine with us choosing not to play but only if that was the decision of the players. If it was the school out of, wait for it, the phrase that pays, "an abundance of caution" or for perception reasons or if Steele just wanted more practices instead, while the players wanted to play, then I think we should have accepted.

[noteggs]

Think they should call this year’s NIT “the A10 tournament part deux”