The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has long been overshadowed by the glitz of the NCAA Tournament, yet its history and impact on college basketball remain undeniable. Established in 1938, the NIT was once the pinnacle of postseason competition, attracting the best teams in the country. Over the decades, its role has shifted, but it continues to offer an opportunity for teams to extend their seasons, develop talent, and prove their worth on a national stage.
A Tournament Born from Prestige
In its early years, the NIT was considered the more prestigious of the two major postseason tournaments. Hosted at New York’s Madison Square Garden, it was the preferred destination for top teams seeking national recognition. The 1950 City College of New York (CCNY) team remains the only squad to win both the NCAA and NIT titles in the same season, a testament to the tournament’s once-equal footing with its now-dominant counterpart.
However, as the NCAA Tournament expanded and grew in stature, the NIT’s status declined. The NCAA’s decision to grant automatic bids to conference champions in 1975 further diminished the NIT’s influence. Despite this, the tournament has carved out a niche as a proving ground for teams left on the fringes of March Madness.
A Second Chance for Programs on the Rise
For teams snubbed by the NCAA selection committee, the NIT offers a chance to showcase talent and end the season on a high note. Programs such as Baylor (2009), West Virginia (2007), and Penn State (2018) have used NIT success as a springboard for future NCAA Tournament appearances. “It was an opportunity to build momentum and prove we belonged,” said Penn State’s then-head coach Patrick Chambers after their 2018 championship win.
Additionally, the tournament provides a stage for emerging players. NBA talent such as Jeremy Lin, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. gained national attention during NIT runs, demonstrating the competition’s ability to spotlight future stars.
Format and Evolution
The NIT now features 32 teams, selected based on their regular-season performance and NCAA Tournament snubs. Games are held at campus sites until the semifinals and finals, which return to their historic home at Madison Square Garden. Over the years, format changes—including the addition of automatic bids for regular-season conference champions who don’t make the NCAA field—have kept the tournament relevant.
In 2005, the NCAA took over operations of the NIT, further integrating it into the broader college basketball landscape. This move helped stabilize the event and ensure its continued existence, though it also cemented its secondary status.
A Future of Reinvention
As college basketball evolves, the NIT faces questions about its long-term role. Expansion of the NCAA Tournament could further marginalize it, but proponents argue that it remains a valuable platform. “The NIT is still a great experience for players, coaches, and fans,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “It gives teams a chance to compete for something meaningful.”
The tournament’s future may hinge on creative adjustments, such as format innovations or increased media exposure. While it may never reclaim its former prestige, the NIT continues to provide a competitive arena where programs can rebuild, young players can shine, and basketball tradition is preserved.
Conclusion: A Tournament Worth Watching
Despite its diminished standing, the NIT remains an integral part of college basketball’s postseason. It serves as both a proving ground and a redemption arc for teams and players alike. While March Madness captures the headlines, the NIT quietly offers a compelling, high-stakes competition that true basketball aficionados continue to appreciate.
The next time Selection Sunday leaves a worthy team on the outside looking in, the NIT will be there—a stage for the overlooked, the determined, and the rising stars of tomorrow.
