Not with all the rules being changed. Lane is widened from 12 feet to 16 feet. 3 point line farther back. Quarters instead of halves. Etc.
Don't get me wrong, I'd like to win. But the games being played in the NIT are VERY different from those being played in the NCAA tourney. They are trying out new rules, but that also means teams that adjust better will probably win. That isn't just coaching, but if you have the player that have skills more conducive to the rule changes.
Big differences, I presonally like the rules being tested. Makes it more like the NBA with quarters, but also opens up lanes for driving to the basket.
Even without the rule changes the NIT means nothing unless you're happy being ranked somewhere around #60.
Still, I would rather they play post season than sitting home. At least they have something to play for.
Yeah, you could use the same argument that going to a bowl game means nothing if it isn't a college football playoff game. But like bowl teams, NIT teams get to continue practicing, playing games, preparing for next year, and getting exposure in places like New York City. There are positives for the players, coaches, and program.
I think you all missed the point. I meant it means nothing in respect to how good each team is, or was, throughout the year. They changed the rules around, meaning that certain teams were given an advantage depending on their roster.
Of course widening the lane and moving the 3 point line back is going to hamper teams built on size and low post work, and give an advantage to teams with good 3 point shooting and fast guards to drive the lane.
It's not that playing and practicing "doesn't matter", it's that this specific tournament isn't a good indicator of which team is best because the rules were changed.
Joe used to love the early pigskin and kickoff classics and bowl games gave teams more practice time, same holds true for the NIT
I don't know how else to say I wasn't talking about practice time.
Okay, that argument would true for anything that is different. Being in MSG might be advantage to school like Penn State with more alums in area such as Mississippi State. Also, travel time might give one school an advantage.
Personally, I don't understand basketball. They play for 40 minutes but it usually comes down to the last 2 minutes. Why don't they save us the agony of watching the first 38?
Ummm... no. The venue of a game isn't nearly similar to changing the rules of the game. I'm sorry, but no.
Every team plays on the road, they are used to it. No one is used to playing on a court with 2 ft wider lanes and farther back 3 point lines. That's a completely different game, one which you can't simply "adjust" for if you don't have the players.
There's a reason the NCAA is trying out the new rules in the NIT tournament... not the NCAA tournament. People would be crying bloody murder about how certain teams were given an advantage by them if they did.
I watched last night's whole game, which is unusual for me. I think Carr and Garner could probably hit from anywhere.
I agree, those two are big time shooters. Which is a big benefit to us. Their hot hands from beyond the arc really open up the driving lanes, which are now MUCH wider.
Villanova under these rules would be next to unstoppable IMO.
I'll take your word on that. It was a fun game to watch. I've watched parts of other games this season where they had big leads only to squander them at the end.
Yeah, it was a great game to watch. Don't want to sound like I don't care about the NIT, just that I don't think it's an indicator of things to come with the rules messed with.
That said, I am excited by this team going forward, and next year should be a very good year for them.
