NIT Invitation Rollercoaster: South Alabama Initially in, Then Out
In a stunning turn of events, the South Alabama basketball team experienced a whirlwind of emotions sunday night, receiving and then losing an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) within a single hour. The reversal came after UC Riverside reneged on its commitment to the CBI Tournament and opted for the NIT, leaving south Alabama on the outside looking in.
Jaguar’s post-Season Hopes Dashed After UC Riverside’s Last-Minute Decision
South alabama initially received the good news from NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt and Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill. The excitement was short-lived, as the invitation was rescinded when UC Riverside decided to participate in the NIT after initially accepting a bid to the CBI Tournament. This decision left South Alabama without a postseason opportunity.
Coach Riley Voices Disappointment After NIT Debacle
According to on3.com, South Alabama Head Coach Richie Riley expressed his frustration, stating the situation was “unacceptable.” [[1](https://www.on3.com/news/coach-richie-riley-blasts-nit-for-meaningless-apology-after-south-alabama-invite-was-rescinded/)]Riley had already informed his team about the NIT invitation before receiving the call retracting it. Gavitt reportedly apologized, explaining UC Riverside was back in the NIT.
NIT’s explanation and Fallout
Following the incident, the NIT issued a statement acknowledging the “emotional impact” and apologizing to South alabama, Coach Riley, and the student-athletes [[1](https://www.on3.com/news/coach-richie-riley-blasts-nit-for-meaningless-apology-after-south-alabama-invite-was-rescinded/)]. The reversal, however, left South Alabama players and coaches reeling after briefly believing their season woudl continue.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow
While not the NCAA Tournament,the NIT still represents a valuable postseason opportunity.The South Alabama team, after working hard all season, were understandably upset when that opportunity was taken away due to circumstances beyond their control. The NCAA has faced criticism for the way the situation was handled,leaving many to view the situation as mishandled,unnecessarily putting the Jaguars through an emotional wringer.
How might the NIT’s selection process be improved to prevent similar situations from happening in the future?
NIT Invitation Rollercoaster: South alabama Initially in, Then Out – Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the South Alabama basketball team’s NIT saga, answering your burning questions:
Q&A
Q: What exactly happened to South Alabama’s NIT invitation?
A: South Alabama received an invitation to the NIT, a postseason tournament, but the invitation was rescinded within an hour. UC Riverside, initially committed to the CBI Tournament, unexpectedly chose to participate in the NIT, bumping South alabama out.
Q: Why did UC Riverside’s decision impact South Alabama?
A: The NIT has a limited number of spots. When UC Riverside switched tournaments, they took a spot from another team, and unluckily, that team was South Alabama.
Q: How did South Alabama react?
A: Head Coach Richie Riley was extremely disappointed, calling the situation “unacceptable.” He had already informed his team about the NIT invitation, only to have it retracted. the players were understandably upset.
Q: What did the NIT do in response?
A: The NIT issued an apology, acknowledging the emotional impact on south Alabama’s players and coaches.
Q: What is the CBI Tournament?
A: The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is another postseason tournament, offering a chance for teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament or the NIT to continue their season. It typically involves teams from mid-major conferences.
Q: What are the implications of this situation?
A: This highlights the volatility of postseason selection and the importance of clear communication.It also raises questions about the NIT’s selection process and how teams are informed.
Q: Is ther any recourse for South Alabama?
A: Unlikely. Unfortunately, once the invitation was rescinded, there was nothing the team could do. The situation serves as a reminder for fans and coaches to remain patient until the official brackets are announced.
Q: What can fans learn from this experience?
A: Patience! The selection process for postseason tournaments is complex. Stay tuned for official announcements and remember that sometimes, unexpected events can change everything.
This frustrating experience underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball postseason selection. Stay informed and show your support for the Jaguars, regardless of the circumstances!
