Eagle:
Posted on Wed, Feb. 22, 2006
NIT standards could put squeeze on teams like K-State
If you're a Kansas State fan who thought last year's National Invitation Tournament snub was a slap in the face, prepare yourself for more humiliation.
This year, the NIT's guidelines for eligibility have been relaxed, and the Wildcats -- regardless of how they fare in their four remaining games and the Big 12 Tournament -- still might not be welcome.
Having a winning record is no longer required. But that change was made with an eye on the mid-major schools, not hard-luck teams with famous coaches (hello, Bob Knight).
"Some people are saying this is for the teams from major conferences with losing records -- that's not it at all," NIT media coordinator Chris Fallon said. "The NCAA is always telling teams to schedule up, but it's tough for those schools to get those games.... (But) if they do, and if those teams end up 14-15, they'll get a look."
Teams like St. Joseph's (10-11, RPI of 47) and Saint Louis (12-10, 94), both of the Atlantic-10, would likely benefit. But, it's hard to see how the NIT could ignore Providence (11-10, 70) or Notre Dame (11-10, 98), both members of the Big East, the RPI behemoth, should their records slide under .500.
Plus, the field of 40 will be seeded for the first time, handled by a committee of six former Division I coaches, including Dean Smith. Higher-seeded teams will host games, eliminating past scheduling decisions that were based on attendance and proximity.
And, all 31 conference regular-season champs that don't make the NCAA tourney, will be guaranteed a spot in the NIT.
That doesn't leave a lot of room for underachievers.
The point is, the Wildcats need to take care of business in the conventional sense -- win out and have a prolonged stay in Dallas -- in order to entertain any postseason thoughts.
But with this team, you never know.
