Looking ahead, new NIT parameters

[ThomasMerton]

Found this one online. #unfurl

The NIT Board of Managers has announced new qualification procedures for the 2025 tournament, which include bids going to 16 "exempt" teams, as well as others that may qualify automatically as regular-season conference champions. Exempt teams will include the top two teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament from both the ACC and SEC. In addition, the top team not selected for the NCAA Tournament from the top 12 conferences (based on the Ken Pomeroy Rating) will receive an exempt bid to the NIT. The top teams from each conference will be determined based on the average of the teams' ESPN Basketball Power Index, Kevin Pauga Index, NCAA Evaluation Tool, Ken Pomeroy Rating, Strength of Record, Torvik ranking and Wins Above Bubble ranking. All rankings are already included in the "Team Sheets" used by the NIT Committee during the selection processes. Teams receiving exempt bids are guaranteed the opportunity to host a first-round game. Additionally, regular-season conference champions not selected for the NCAA Tournament can earn automatic NIT bids as long as they have an average of 125 or better across the aforementioned rankings. The rest of the 32-team field will be selected as at-large teams by the NIT Committee. The NIT Board also approved former multi-stop HCs Tubby Smith and Jeff Jones as the newest additions to the NIT Committee. (link)

[ceharv]

Good luck to the NIT Board of Managers. IMO they will face a perpetual uphill battle trying to keep the tourney relevant in the coming years, particularly as a post-season event. Its best path forward may be to emphasize the pre-season tourney focusing on providing quality OOC game opportunities, something that is much needed. They can start with former NIT champions and programs with fans who travel and buy tickets. Maybe with that formula a full or partial yearly return to MSG can happen.

[bigcat]

The NIT is impacted by the dates of the transfer portal opening — as it was at the end of the 2023-24 season. Last year it was the same day as the first NIT games.

Players will be pressured to make a decision following conference tournaments. The A10 tourney is March 12-16.

The portal will open March 17. Looks like there is a one-week period before programs can sign transfers.

Portal signing period will open after the second round of the NCAA Tournament and conclude at the end of April.

IMO it will be difficult for many teams to keep players engaged for the NIT.

[rf1]

Expand the NCAA to 96 and eliminate the NIT.