NIT (long)

[David Gilmour]

I know this is probably not going to be a popular take, but the reality of the matter is that we need to visit the growing possibility that it is where we end up. And really, logically it very well could be better for the basketball programs future than the alternative. First off, everybody is hanging so much on us reaching the Dance that we fail to see one thing. We are not a very good team this year. Probably just about anybody they put us in a game with, beit a play in game or regular seeded game will more than likely be a challenge. Many having us playing Alabama in a play in game. Fact of the matter, we would be lucky to beat Alabama with this team. Their PG would probably have a career day against out guards. So would it be worth it, to say "Well, we made the tournament" when let's face it guys, we'll be lucky to get out of the first weekend. I don't get the thinking. So you're UK buddy ribs you about not making the Dance. SO WHAT. It should be more than that anyway. So my point being, is a Dance ticket really worth all the worrying we are doing about it?

Now, let's visit the NIT. I know. Everybody and their brother don't even want to mention those letters.We all know the rep. We hear all the jokes. I say BIG FREAKIN DEAL. Let em talk. But just what does a trip to the NIT do for a program? An obvious answer would be, lose the first or second game in the NIT and you are a laughing stock. And especially at home. But really, if the team takes this serious enough we can make an NIT journey a positive thing for the program. First off, we more than likely get to play a game or two at home. More time to see our kids up close and personal. Now some of you who say, you are "just ready for the season to be over", can't complain then regardless of which tourney we are in. So don't use that argument to say ney to a NIT. Secondly, it pits us against teams more suited to our abilities or lackthereof. I would definitely like to think we would be a favorite to go pretty far and possibly win the NIT. That would afford the kids, particularly the younger kids added time to bond, gain confidence, have positive experiences and use that as a springboard toward next years season.It would also ingrain a culture of "winning" again, which this team and program is in dire need of. Does a one and done in the Dance afford you that? NO. If anything it just continues to leave a bad taste in your mouth at seasons end. I've seen a number of times where teams who made big NIT runs and even won the NIT used that experience to have great seasons the following year. Like I say, it's extremely valuable to the younger guys.

So in short, IMO a long run/possible NIT crown is a hell of a lot more valuable in the long run, than a one and done in the Dance. I really think that many are expecting some sort of fairy tale Dance story like U Conn had a few years back. Those type runs are few and far between and I see nothing in this present team that even gives me hope of that type run. Maybe I'm wrong, but the fact of the matter is, it's looking more and more like we won't get that chance. So my mind is geared towards what an NIT invite could do for the program. I'm not going to take my ball and just go home because we didn't get a Dance ticket. Many of you will and that is your prerogative, but IMO it would be short sided in your thinking about what this program needs moving forward. It's way past time we as fans show a little humility, bite the bullet and move on. A Dance snub will not be the end of the world and I submit it may end up being a pleasant surprise when it's all said and done. Feel free to slam away, but this is what I truly think could be heading our way and am trying my best to embrace the opportunity as opposed to putting my head in the sand over the idea. Thanks for listening. Sorry for the length.

 

[shadow force]

I want the team to make the NCAAT, but I'm not going to be surprised in the least if they don't make it. They had their chances to lock up a spot earlier in the season and didn't capitalize on them which is why they are on the bubble.

If they end up in the NIT so be it.

 

[brookstreet]

NIT run? This team would lose early in the CBI. Let it end already.Although I'm sure kentucky Tyra,Grissom,Postel, and drunk Johnny are orgasmic about hosting a NIT game.

 

[Knucklehank1]

I’d take a1st round NCAA loss over an NIT championship.

 

[David Gilmour]

NIT run? This team would lose early in the CBI. Let it end already.Although I'm sure kentucky Tyra,Grissom,Postel, and drunk Johnny are orgasmic about hosting a NIT game.

Sooooo, you are ready to end the season now? Dance or otherwise?

 

[David Gilmour]

I’d take a1st round NCAA loss over an NIT championship.

And how would that be better for the program looking forward? I'm willing to listen.

 

[Knucklehank1]

And how would that be better for the program looking forward? I'm willing to listen.

Players don’t come to UofL to play in the NIT. And quite frankly most of our roster and coaching staff is going to turnover so I don’t look at the NIT as some development tool for next season. I think the NIT can be enjoyable when it’s viewed as a springboard but I don’t see that as relevant to our situation. Next year might be a different story when hopefully the negatives have been taken out and we are in a rebuilding mode.

 

[billoliver40]

I’d take a1st round NCAA loss over an NIT championship.

A lot of folks say that until it happens.

You guys aren't 100 per cent out of the NCAAt until all announcements are made.
If it's the NIT, it's pretty much the same as a banjo bowl game....chance for the kids to keep playing.
Better than putting your head on the table and going to sleep.

 

[David Gilmour]

Players don’t come to UofL to play in the NIT. And quite frankly most of our roster and coaching staff is going to turnover so I don’t look at the NIT as some development tool for next season. I think the NIT can be enjoyable when it’s viewed as a springboard but I don’t see that as relevant to our situation. Next year might be a different story when hopefully the negatives have been taken out and we are in a rebuilding mode.

Didn't say they did come to UofL to play for NITs, but given the circumstances we're presently in, it's not a time to be "picky".IMO, a one and done in the Dance and possibly a blowout to say an SEC team would be more likely to see a mass exodus of players than an NIT run/title. Winning cures everything and if we were able to string together 5 games in a row with some sort of championship at the end, you don't think that would be instrumental in the younger kids wanting to come back? To build on that? To have just a general better feeling about being in the program? I do. Then you can at least be in a returning and improving mode as opposed to a "rebuilding" mode. You are correct though. A mass exodus does put us in "rebuilding" mode. But don't you think you would be more likely of that with a one and done miss in the Dance as opposed to a momentum building NIT run? And I get it. It's the NIT. Not the trophy you want to take home. Not saying it's the trophy I want. But being logical, which of the two scenarios will be better for advanced improvement for this programs future. I see it as a no brainer.

 

[Knucklehank1]

Didn't say they did come to UofL to play for NITs, but given the circumstances we're presently in, it's not a time to be "picky".IMO, a one and done in the Dance and possibly a blowout to say an SEC team would be more likely to see a mass exodus of players than an NIT run/title. Winning cures everything and if we were able to string together 5 games in a row with some sort of championship at the end, you don't think that would be instrumental in the younger kids wanting to come back? To build on that? To have just a general better feeling about being in the program? I do. Then you can at least be in a returning and improving mode as opposed to a "rebuilding" mode. You are correct though. A mass exodus does put us in "rebuilding" mode. But don't you think you would be more likely of that with a one and done miss in the Dance as opposed to a momentum building NIT run? And I get it. It's the NIT. Not the trophy you want to take home. Not saying it's the trophy I want. But being logical, which of the two scenarios will be better for advanced improvement for this programs future. I see it as a no brainer.

My guess is that the younger players are already frustrated that they didn’t get to play for Pitino. And that angst will only grow bigger when they are left thinking they would’ve been in the tourney (and possibly caused some damage) had Rick been coaching. You are able to look at it logically by concluding that we really have no chance in the NCAA. I don’t think athletes look at it that way. They want that chance.

 

[Cue Card]

I want the team to make the NCAAT, but I'm not going to be surprised in the least if they don't make it. They had their chances to lock up a spot earlier in the season and didn't capitalize on them which is why they are on the bubble.

If they end up in the NIT so be it.

If? I think all these other bubble teams winning and the Cards not winning have sealed their fate. This team is NIT bound IMO and they earned it by not finishing off Virginia when they had them beat. They let roughly 5 games get away from them this year that should have been wins. Turn those around, and the team is 25-8 and looking at a really good seed with an interested fan base. Now it's just meh.

 

[TheRealVille]

The NIT would be a waste of time. Talk about hero ball. Just more games to flush away. Can't see any team urgency in the NIT.

 

[CardsFirst]

So what makes you (OP) think we would do well in the NIT? We will run into some really good mid majors that didn’t make it into the NCAAT because their in a one bid conference. So you’re saying losing to Bama would be worse than losing to MTSU in the NIT? I say BS. That wouldn’t be good for their confidence. Leave it up to the guys whether they play or not. I don’t care for the NIT and would vote against it.

 

[Cue Card]

So what makes you (OP) think we would do well in the NIT? We will run into some really good mid majors that didn’t make it into the NCAAT because their in a one bid conference. So you’re saying losing to Bama would be worse than losing to MTSU in the NIT? I say BS. That wouldn’t be good for their confidence. Leave it up to the guys whether they play or not. I don’t care for the NIT and would vote against it.

I was informed earlier in the year that teams that are selected to the NIT don't have any choice to vote against accepting. If chosen, they have to go.

 

[David Gilmour]

So what makes you (OP) think we would do well in the NIT? We will run into some really good mid majors that didn’t make it into the NCAAT because their in a one bid conference. So you’re saying losing to Bama would be worse than losing to MTSU in the NIT? I say BS. That wouldn’t be good for their confidence. Leave it up to the guys whether they play or not. I don’t care for the NIT and would vote against it.

Well, for one thing we would have a game or two right off the bat at home. Maybe all the way to NY if we keep winning. No way the teams there are as good as what we would be seeing in the Dance. We've competed in the toughest conference in the country so most if not all teams we play in the NIT should be better match ups for us. That's pretty obvious. I can't predict our mindset, if that is what you are talking about but If our mindset is right I see no reason that we couldn't go pretty far in that tournament. Hopefully even get a chance to get some of the young guys some needed PT along the way. Look, I'm trying my best to make the best out of a situation that looks like right now a foregone conclusion. To just give up because we are relegated to the NIT is short sided IMO, and if/when afforded the opportunity we (fans and team) need to try and make the best out of the situation that we can. I'm just looking at a place where we can start developing a winning attitude again, gain some confidence in the process, get these young guys tournament hardened a little bit. And logic tells you that an NIT journey coupled with the right mindset would accomplish that more than getting knocked out the first weekend in the Dance probably playing primarily starters. It's time also that we as fans need to get this "we are too good a program for an NIT acceptance" out of our mindsets. Right now, we aren't. In case you haven't noticed, we are close to becoming irrelevant in the college basketball landscape. It hates like hell to even say that, but it's probably a lot closer to where many think we are still at. A little humility might be good to get us back on track. I'm not going to convince many of you that the NIT may be our best route back toward the top again, but I believe givin the two options, it will be. And lastly, you had better prepare yourself for the real possibility that this is where we are going to be going anyway. I'll support the Cards all the way until the end either way. You can quit. You can stay and just bitch and moan about it, but what good is all that going to do? NONE. At least support the kids when they are still playing, even if it's in the NIT. I know everybody is hurting right now. I understand that. And after tomorrows pairings I suspect many will be ready to just give up on the year. Not in my blood.We can make a positive out of the NIT if that is what is givin to us, IF WE CHOOSE. Team and fans.

 

[CardsFirst]

So what makes you (OP) think we would do well in the NIT? We will run into some really good mid majors that didn’t make it into the NCAAT because their in a one bid conference. So you’re saying losing to Bama would be worse than losing to MTSU in the NIT? I say BS. That wouldn’t be good for their confidence. Leave it up to the guys whether they play or not. I don’t care for the NIT and would vote against it.

Well, for one thing we would have a game or two right off the bat at home. Maybe all the way to NY if we keep winning. No way the teams there are as good as what we would be seeing in the Dance. We've competed in the toughest conference in the country so most if not all teams we play in the NIT should be better match ups for us. That's pretty obvious. I can't predict our mindset, if that is what you are talking about but If our mindset is right I see no reason that we couldn't go pretty far in that tournament. Hopefully even get a chance to get some of the young guys some needed PT along the way. Look, I'm trying my best to make the best out of a situation that looks like right now a foregone conclusion. To just give up because we are relegated to the NIT is short sided IMO, and if/when afforded the opportunity we (fans and team) need to try and make the best out of the situation that we can. I'm just looking at a place where we can start developing a winning attitude again, gain some confidence in the process, get these young guys tournament hardened a little bit. And logic tells you that an NIT journey coupled with the right mindset would accomplish that more than getting knocked out the first weekend in the Dance probably playing primarily starters. It's time also that we as fans need to get this "we are too good a program for an NIT acceptance" out of our mindsets. Right now, we aren't. In case you haven't noticed, we are close to becoming irrelevant in the college basketball landscape. It hates like hell to even say that, but it's probably a lot closer to where many think we are still at. A little humility might be good to get us back on track. I'm not going to convince many of you that the NIT may be our best route back toward the top again, but I believe givin the two options, it will be. And lastly, you had better prepare yourself for the real possibility that this is where we are going to be going anyway. I'll support the Cards all the way until the end either way. You can quit. You can stay and just bitch and moan about it, but what good is all that going to do? NONE. At least support the kids when they are still playing, even if it's in the NIT. I know everybody is hurting right now. I understand that. And after tomorrows pairings I suspect many will be ready to just give up on the year. Not in my blood.We can make a positive out of the NIT if that is what is givin to us, IF WE CHOOSE. Team and fans.

You’re really underestimating the quality of teams out there especially in the AAC and Big East. We are vulnerable to just about any team on any given day. So don’t think a team can’t come in here and get us on our own court. Seton Hall did.

That aside the NIT just is a waste of time. I have little interest in it. I would rather get on with the coaching search.

 

[David Gilmour]

Heck, I'm really thinking we may get in now, so who knows. If you believe the ACC is worthy of 8 teams in the Dance, I can't see where we are not one of the top 8. Just have to wait. But if we do end up getting dissed and have to settle for the NIT, I would hope team and fans would at least take it seriously.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

But just what does a trip to the NIT do for a program? .

I think your mindset does not apply to a Top 10 program, especially a team that was preseason Top 20.

More than likely, most of the young players on this team are going to transfer, which blows up the "NIT can build for the future" angle you're putting out there also.

I do appreciate your heart felt post though. Your angle will make more sense in a few years, after the program has had a number of losing seasons, and finally starts to turn it around enough to get the NIT bid. Being serious.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Winning cures everything and if we were able to string together 5 games in a row with some sort of championship at the end, you don't think that would be instrumental in the younger kids wanting to come back?

No man. Sorry.

 

[David Gilmour]

I think your mindset does not apply to a Top 10 program, especially a team that was preseason Top 20.

More than likely, most of the young players on this team are going to transfer, which blows up the "NIT can build for the future" angle you're putting out there also.

I do appreciate your heart felt post though. Your angle will make more sense in a few years, after the program has had a number of losing seasons, and finally starts to turn it around enough to get the NIT bid. Being serious.

My mindset applies to our program at present time. Not 4 -5 years ago. PRESENTLY we are not a Top 10 program with what we are and have been going through the last 2-3 years.You pretty much had to throw any preseason prognostications out the window with how everything went down. The timing was terrible. The team was in turmoil and has yet to recover.
Kids transferring is really just conjecture at this point. Unless you know the kid(s) in question personally, there is no way to know that.People see long faces on a bench in a given game and instantly equate that to the kid wanting to transfer. Then that rumor gets started. I submit that a strong finish from here on out with most of the components contributing will be enough to keep kids here. Unless you have it on good authority that certain players want out of here. Are you hearing that from good sources?

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

I submit that a strong finish from here on out with most of the components contributing will be enough to keep kids here.

Conjecture - Have you talked to any players and have they told you an NIT title will keep them with the program?

If they choose to stay it's going to be because they truly love the University and the team, and actually chose UofL for many reasons more than Pitino. That could be possible, but seems unlikely.

It's almost a certainty a winning outcome in the flipping NIT is not going to move their needle one way or the other.

Many of these players already know if they are staying or going - and they've probably known for quite some time.

Sorry man you just can't make the NIT mean more than it actually does. Well you can, free speech - go for it. I mean keep going for it.

 

[nccardfan]

If? I think all these other bubble teams winning and the Cards not winning have sealed their fate. This team is NIT bound IMO and they earned it by not finishing off Virginia when they had them beat. They let roughly 5 games get away from them this year that should have been wins. Turn those around, and the team is 25-8 and looking at a really good seed with an interested fan base. Now it's just meh.

Ok let’s say Jerome doesn’t hit that shot and we win those other close games. We are still the same team that got embarrassed by UK. You can change the outcome of a few games to make the record better but we’re still the same team that can’t close out games or put 2 good games together.

 

[Cue Card]

Ok let’s say Jerome doesn’t hit that shot and we win those other close games. We are still the same team that got embarrassed by UK. You can change the outcome of a few games to make the record better but we’re still the same team that can’t close out games or put 2 good games together.

Hypothetically, had we won those games, we would have been flipped to a team capable of closing out games, and then we're not the 'same' team AND then you could dismiss the UofK game as an aberration.

Would, could, should. None of it matters because we're NIT bound IMO and that's exactly what we earned. No sugarcoating it.

 

[MikeMcCammon]

This team isn't going to advance very far into either the NIT or the NCAA. They don't play defense well enough for that. Best thing would be to get into the NCAA, have a good shooting performance out of the gate and win a game before going home. Better to do that than lose an early round NIT game.