NIT 2012 Bracket: Teams Who Will Take Next Step with Deep Runs

Reaching the NIT is not the final goal for any college basketball team, but many teams can use it as a stepping-stone toward success in the NCAA tournament.

Last season's NIT finalists were Wichita State and Alabama, two teams who earned at-large bids to the NCAA tournament this week. In 2010, North Carolina lost in the NIT finals to Dayton before going on to the Sweet 16 a year later.

This year's bracket features plenty of teams who can be proud of this season's success, but have an eye toward the 2013 tournament. These are the teams most likely to use a deep tournament run to build for next season.

Arizona

Sean Miller's squad had an up-and-down season, but there is a lot to like about the future of Arizona.

There is as much talent on this squad as anywhere in the country, and the team also has a great recruiting class coming in next season.

Do not be surprised to see a lot of young players getting their chance to earn a role on next year's team during this tournament.

Tennessee

Few noticed, but Cuonzo Martin did one of the nation's best coaching jobs this season. Despite being put in a bad situation by previous coach Bruce Pearl, Tennessee finished with the No. 2 seed in the SEC tournament.

Martin did not allow there to be too great of a setback after Pearl's departure, and this young team can build toward the future in the next few weeks.

Northwestern

The Wildcats keep getting closer and closer, but Northwestern has still never participated in the NCAA tournament. 

Still, the team has to be proud of this season. Even though John Shurna will be graduating, the team can take solace in postseason success and use it to motivate them even more for next year.

Drexel

Behind one of the best shooters in the nation in Frantz Massenat, Drexel was not too far from an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament this season.

The Dragons dominated the always-underrated Colonial League, but were left out due to a poor strength of schedule. A deep run in the NIT can show the committee that the Dragons belong with the big boys.

Washington

Despite winning the Pac-12 regular-season title, Washington was not even among the final six teams considered by the selection committee.

That has to sting for a team with this much talent.

The Huskies are young, but could lose a few players to the NBA draft after this season. However, if these players stay, Washington can come back as one of the most talented teams in the nation.

Plus, they will be angry at the committee and playing with something to prove. That anger streak can start with the NIT.