“Not Invited Tournament”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that phrase in the last month, from Utes and Cougars alike.  But although we didn’t win the tournament I don’t think there are many people that are still bitter about going to the NIT.

Every year I watch the Selection in anticipation, yelling at the TV and calling the selection committee idiots (sorry Tom Holmoe).  The very first perk about this year was that I knew we weren’t going to the tournament., and while that should make me sad it was almost a little refreshing, because the one thing I hate more then losing is feeling cheated out of a position or ranking or invitation.  I would much rather know that BYU didn’t deserve to go dancing then to believe that they did deserve it and watch the not get in (or get a stupid play in game).

And don’t hate me for bringing it up but just reflect for a brief second on the utter emptiness you felt after the Ole Miss game last year.  Then think of the excitement you felt at the Mariott center during the NIT games this year.  Which feeling would you rather have?  Hosting those games was so fun, for fans, and students, and alumni.  Everyone was there supporting and cheering our Cougars on.  It’s every teams goal to play as late into March as possible and while it wasn’t necessarily the conditions we wanted to watch them play in, I consider us very lucky to have gotten to see Chase Fischer hit one more three, or Kyle Collinsworth get one more triple double, or watch Nate Austin get the crowd pumped one last time.  As fans I think we are very fortunate.

So sure, we didn’t make the big dance but every extra game, extra second, extra day that I get to watch BYU I consider a blessing.  And this basketball team was no exception to that. So let’s tip our hats to Coach Rose and the seniors that we love.  Because whether in the Big Dance or the NIT, I couldn’t be more proud to be a Cougar.