Why I Love the NIT

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

For some unknown reason, I have really taken to watching the NIT over the last few years, mostly because it’s an odd form of punishment, mixed with relishing in others’ pain, while the battle for 66th place rages on. 

Let me explain. 

First, it’s always fun to watch coaches eat their words, so take a bow, Seth Greenberg:  After moaning about your team’s absence in the NCAA tournament (again), you and your second-seeded Hokies got hammered 84-66 by Baylor in the second round.  You held the lead for exactly zero seconds in that game. 

Way to prove us all wrong, Coach; your contract extension is in the mail.

And here’s to you, Georgetown.  After convincing me that you were a good team in December, you went out in the first round and finished the year one game above .500. 

Bravo, and thanks for nothing.   

As for Kentucky, who doesn’t like seeing them lose?  Thank you, Billy Gillispie, for a great season of abrasive interviews with female reporters, constant reminders that you are a divorced man, and for your unabashed and blatant smugness.

Good luck enjoying a quiet meal in and around Lexington. 

Second, there is something fascinating about listening to commentators try to intelligently discuss teams they have clearly never covered. I’m sure some of this is not their fault, as they could be given last-minute assignments, but ask a few questions before you start talking to a nationally-televised audience. 

My favorite is Hubert Davis, who simply is not qualified to be the color man on a two-man crew.  Not only is he a bit clumsy and misinformed on players and coaches (and pronunciations of those players’ and coaches’ names), but he acts like he has never seen a slam dunk in his life.  Every time a guy throws one down, Davis turns into TNT’s Kevin Harlan, screaming and oohing-and-ahhing like he’s at an And-One dunk contest.

Calm down, Hubert:  You played in the League, man.   

Third, I get to pull for teams I am forced to hate all year long due to conference loyalty. I have never been a Notre Dame or Luke Harangody fan, but as soon as the bracket came out this year, I marked them as my champions. Note: This means I did actually take the time to print a bracket and fill it out.

All year long, the Gody’s flattop and odd jumper bothered me.  A lot.  But come National Invitation Tournament time, the flattop is back in style, and his jumper looks textbook.  Suddenly, Kyle McAlarney doesn’t look like the overweight point guard who only shoots threes.  Mike Brey’s mock turtlenecks are still ridiculous, but you can’t have everything, I guess.

St. Mary’s also falls into this category—if they make the Big Dance, another legit team (and by “legit,” I mean overrated SEC team that I’ll pick to go way too far in my bracket) gets knocked out, so I simply have to cheer for the Gaels to fail.  Again, though, come NIT time, Patty Mills’ comeback story and Australian background are dazzling! 

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