Would you rather play in the NIT Championship game or lose in the first round of the NCAA tourney?

[Rzback]

I'd rather play in the NCAA tourney but if I knew I would lose the first game I would probably choose the NIT finals...  :razorback:

[PurpleBullHog]

I don't care if we beat Kentucky at Rupp, or Indiana State at BWA, a hog win feels great.  A loss, whether to Florida in overtime or to Bama in anything, feels just as terrible.  I've gotta say I'll take five wins over one loss any day. 

[sickboy]

Easy. Play for a championship. Even an NIT championship is vastly more valuable and respected than losing in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Plus, you don't end your season on such a dud note; at least you made a push for something... not just getting into a tournament.

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

I'd rather play/lose in the NCAA tourney.

But, I really feel that the more games this team plays the better they will get for next year.

[The real Hogules]

I'd rather play lose in the NCAA tourney.

But, I really feel that the more games this team plays the better they will get for next year.

This is where our experience in the NIT this year will pay the biggest dividends - next year, with the bulk of this team returning.

[panhandlepig]

  That is a tough question. All I know for sure is I want to win TONIGHT! Go Hogs. :razorback:

[SemperFi]

One and done stinks (see SECT Hogs vs USC). I would rather the Hogs play for an NIT Championship than get bounced in game one of the NCAAT.

[aar0n]

History has been kind to the winners of the NIT championship in the years following, I'd take it in a heartbeat.

[GlassofSwine]

Winning the NIT with a young core team is far more positive going forward than losing in the 1st round of the NCAA.

[Arky]

Easy. Play for a championship. Even an NIT championship is vastly more valuable and respected than losing in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Not to recruits.

[root_hawg]

This year - this team - needs as many games together as possible

[GlassofSwine]

Not to recruits.

Getting bounced in the 1st round of the NCAA is not impressive to recruits.

[maggiesue]

My opinion is it isn't even close.....dance with the pretty girl.....the NIT is like dancing with the girl so you can say you danced.....the NCAA is dancing because the girl is the one you want!

[-Blu]

  That is a tough question. All I know for sure is I want to win TONIGHT! Go Hogs. :razorback:

My thoughts exactly.  I remember before the NIT started I said I'd rather lose in the play-in game than win the NIT, I'm starting to re-think that.  I'm actually excited about tonight's game, and if we happen to make it to New York I'm going to be really stoked for this team.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

I'd rather play in the NCAA tourney but if I knew I would lose the first game I would probably choose the NIT finals...  :razorback:

Earlier in the season I felt like just making the Tourney was more important.

However, I remember losing with Heath to Bucknell, and got to thinking about how many teams (Mercer) there are like that in the first rounds.  I think that winning or at least making it to the final 4 in the NIT says much more about a team than if they lose in the 1st round of Tourney. 

I believe our team is much better than a lot of the teams in the Tourney.

[MountieDawg]

For those that would rather play in the NIT, would you rather play in the SWAC conference and win league championships or in the SEC?

[BrooklynRoss]

Easy. Play for a championship. Even an NIT championship is vastly more valuable and respected than losing in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Plus, you don't end your season on such a dud note; at least you made a push for something... not just getting into a tournament.

I was on the fence, but I like your argument. NIT finals.

[Hogarusa]

Making the tourney.  It's not even close.  You think 2 weeks of extra practice over actual March Madness experience is what gets the Hogs over the hump next year?

[panhandlepig]

My thoughts exactly.  I remember before the NIT started I said I'd rather lose in the play-in game than win the NIT, I'm starting to re-think that.  I'm actually excited about tonight's game, and if we happen to make it to New York I'm going to be really stoked for this team.

  The fact is we are in the NIT and  have a chance to win the dang tournament. In order to do that we have to win tonight. We need to come out there and play to win no matter the "prize".

  This team shouldn't be thinking about what coulda shoulda woulda.  I hope they are thinking they need to win this game and keep playing.

Next year we can have what-if discussions about the NIT vs the Dance. This year we need to beat Cal tonight. GO HOGS :razorback:

 

[Hot_Town_Hog]

Thank goodness for NIT invite! So much better than making the NCAAT.

[hobhog]

Guess we will never know....