The third place game of the Maui Invitational is always thrilling for NIT fans, but last night’s was especially sensational, because eleven minutes into the contest, this exchange happened on the air:
Bill Walton: No NCA* T*********’s in basketball for BYU they do have two NIT titles I’m looking forward to the NIT Championship this year—
*Pause*
BW: I believe that—we’re gonna be on that.
Dave Pasch: What’s that?
BW: On the NIT Championship.
DP: We are? Who’s we? I—This is the first I’ve heard of it. Are you inking* assignments now?
BW: Lori and I…
*Pause*
BW: We’re working on it.
*No idea if “inking” was the word, but this was my best guess.
First of all, thanks to @derrickwillems for making sure we heard about it (a good tweeter, an even better friend, but the best at middle school geography bees). Second of all, judging by Pasch’s reaction, we don’t know if this is true, of course. But man, this would be something. It already is something, really.
Ideally, Walton and Pasch would be looped into the PA system at Madison Square Garden, so those of us there in person could enjoy it as well. Even if they’re just doing the TV broadcast, though, it’s a major victory for the NIT, because having the best broadcasting duo in the world doing its championship is something no other postseason tournament can claim.
Of course, there’s the risk it could decrease NIT Championship attendance, but realistically, that isn’t going to make a difference. The crowd’s small as is. Overall, even as a rumor, this is huge for the NIT. And therefore, for justice.
