The current head coach of the Indiana basketball team, Tom Crean, has recently voiced his disapproval of teams choosing not to participate in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Crean emphasized the significance of coaching and developing players through competitive gameplay and expressed his disappointment with the decision to forgo the 32-team event.
During the recent NIT selection show on ESPN, Crean, who also serves as an ESPN college basketball analyst, conveyed his strong sentiments regarding the missed opportunity for teams to progress and improve. He highlighted the ample time available for activities such as recruiting and negotiating NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, contrasting it with the limited time for actual gameplay and player development.
Crean articulated his frustration at the reluctance of certain high-profile programs, including St. John’s, Oklahoma, and Memphis, to participate in the NIT. He criticized their decision, stating that if players and coaches do not want to engage in competitive play, they should focus on recruiting or take a back seat.
In 2017, during Crean’s final season as coach, Indiana University decided against hosting an NIT game but eventually participated in the tournament, ultimately losing to Georgia Tech. Shortly after this, Crean was dismissed from his coaching position.
On a positive note, Indiana State received a top seed for the NIT, while Butler secured a No. 4 seed. Notably, this year’s tournament championship will be hosted at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, adding to the anticipation and significance of the event.
In conclusion, Crean’s passionate stance highlights the value of the NIT as an opportunity for teams to grow and develop. By calling out teams for passing on the tournament, he advocates for the importance of competitive gameplay as an essential component of player and team improvement.