I put your direct quote in my post. How much more direct can it get.
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Just for clarity for some who can't understand non-literal non-explicitly stated thinking.......there are 36 at large berths. There 32 automatics, some of which go to teams that would get at large berths if they hadn't made it. You can reasonably assume that at least 40-45 or so best teams in the country are in the Dance. They therefore aren't in the NIT. Therefore the level of competition in the NCAA is much higher than that provided by the lessor teams in the NIT. Facts are facts.
Liver, why don't you just step back and let most of us enjoy a rare moment for Msu basketball history. You are way out of line saying the NIT isn't important or a big deal. Tell you what, if Ben Howland and the players say or think like you I will apologize for enjoying the moment.
Find another fight to pick. Geez
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I hope they do think like me. This is fun, I really want to win it, it's really good for the team, celebrate it a little bit if we win it, but it isn't where I want us to be. I don't think it is where they want to be either. I'd be really surprised if they don't think like I do here. Last post here, I voiced my opinion. I just don't want to see NIT Champsburg in any fashion. Heck I've seen that made fun of a LOT on our boards.
We are talking about this year, IF we had any history of tradition by going to the dance I would agree with you. As for as the coaches and players, sure they want to go the dance but I bet they are elated about playing in New York at the Garden. That in itself is a big big deal to any basketball player. Go look at how many dances we have attended, it tells the story.
We are in the "everybody gets a trophy generation" now. Combine that with the AAU mentality- these guys playing for us are just as happy playing in the NIT as the NCAA's. They are still playing and competing for a trophy- thats all they care about.
The NIT is all they got this year. They are playing their ass off to win it- thats what I'm saying.
Teams in the NCAA tourney don't play every team in the NCAA tourney so this isn't necessarily a factual statement by you. We have played Nebraska, at Baylor and at Louisville. That's a tougher three game stretch than Kentucky is playing of Davidson, Buffalo, Kansas State and our stretch will stay tougher than their's one more game afterwards and potentially two as they face the winner of Ill-Chicago/Nevada and then the final four game vs the highest possible seed left Michigan. We have Penn State and most likely Saint Mary's. So your facts aren't facts. We are playing a tougher schedule than most likely a final four team this year in Kentucky.
I guess that is where we are different. If it's competition, then I'm going to compete, and I'm going to compete to win. It might be "banging the skank at bar"' but I'm going to make sure it's the best sex she's ever had. When it comes to the NIT, or any other game or tournament, I'm in it to win it. Can't stomach the loser mentality.