NIT announces new team selection protocol

I don't think I've watched a single NIT game since Wichita State won it whenever the hell that was. A complex selection process isn't necessary. Just pick teams 67 through 99 and match them up.

 

The CBI would like a word with you, sir.

 

They could call the 99 playoff games the CBI Luftballons if they want.

 

A better comp is the UEFA Europa League, which the early-round losers in Champions League matriculate to.

Back in the day, the NIT and NCAA tournaments were held separately when both fields were smaller, and CCNY famously won both in the same year in 1950.

 

Nobody pays more attention to this nothing tournament than our group.

 

I understand UMass-Lowell going as a sacrificial lamb to, say, UCLA for a big payoff in early December.

I don't see a lot of justification for sending UMass-Lowell to, say, Pacific for a play-in game in March.

 

The play-in games would be grouped geographically as well.

 

Not anymore.

 

Aren't you now getting back to what the conference tournaments currently are?
At their core, because of the automatic bids, the conference tournaments serve as regional play-in games where all 362 teams have a chance at the national championship.

 

Eureka.

 

Yes, except for the few that do not earn a spot in their conference tournament. But they already eliminated themselves.