I'll be honest in writing this that I realize most of you who are reading likely already agree with this. It's also already clear that Virginia Tech, as you'd rightly expect, will accept a NIT if they receive one as they are comfortably projected to do so. Even Whit Babcock has said that Virginia Tech would like to host if they are eligible to and if it doesn't conflict with hosting the Women's NCAA Tournament for the second-straight season.
The reality is that Virginia Tech is going to be playing in the NIT. Despite that, there were plenty yesterday who openly wanted VT to decline a NIT invite following a second round ACC Tournament exit amidst what has been a somewhat disappointing season given how poorly VT has played on the road compared to their home dominance. Whether that was in posts and comments on social media or threads on message boards, there were a fair share of fans campaigning for this to be the end of the season.
Yes, it's fair to be disappointed about missing the NCAA Tournament for a second-straight year given the elevated standard that has been set reaching the five prior contested NCAA Tournaments. However, the NIT is something Tech absolutely should participate in beyond just upholding the norms of the sport.
First, there's the fact that guys like Hunter Cattoor and Robbie Beran get the chance to end their careers on a better note than going 0-1 in the ACC Tournament. Yes, it isn't nearly the glamor of playing in March Madness, but a chance to possibly get another win at home and go on a postseason run has its appeal.
Also, there's the fact that these guys seem to enjoy playing with their current teammates and getting any chance to play more games that have stakes on them are certain to have appeal.
Second, the NIT presents a great opportunity to get younger guys experience in meaningful games. Look at someone like Tyler Nickel who was part of a mess at North Carolina last year and hasn't gotten any postseason experience. This tournament allows him to gain some experience before the Hokies make their 2024-25 push to return to the 2025 NCAA Tournament and try to make a run if they do get in.
There's also younger guys like Jaydon Young, Brandon Rechsteiner, and Pat Wessler who would benefit a lot from getting more practice reps and playing time. Young, in particular, has earned himself a decent-sized role in recent weeks and more games should certainly benefit his development going forward.
Third, there's the fact that you still get a chance to see Virginia Tech play meaningful games and get the chance to build some momentum for next season.
Tech had plenty of struggles on the road this season and if they want to make a run in the NIT, they'll have to win on the road. A road loss likely wouldn't do much harm at this point, but picking up a road victory could give the Hokies more confidence in their ability to fix their road issues ahead of an important 2024-25 season for Mike Young's program.
There's also the fact that isn't it fun to watch Tech compete for a title, even if it is in the "best of the rest" tournament. If you're not excited about that, that's fine, just don't watch (but keep up with the TLP to see what did happen). Personally, the fan in me may not be the most excited, but you can bet I'll have my eye on those games and get excited about a NIT run if they can go on one, albeit not as excited as if it were the NCAA Tournament.
Now there are some who may say that this could distract Tech from their transfer portal plans, especially if they go on a deep NIT run given that the portal opens prior to the end of postseason play (which is absurd that they messed that up). The fact is that Tech will still be focused on the portal and have their staff properly managing.
It also won't prevent guys from entering it given the fact that the portal window goes past the end of postseason play still.
So yes, you may be disappointed about the Hokies missing the NCAA Tournament and almost certainly heading to the NIT. But personally, I still see a good amount of value in the NIT for Virginia Tech that could help them going into next season while also giving us more fun games with some stakes on them even if they aren't nearly the same stakes as March Madness provides.
