Look. You’re either a longtime NIT fan, in which case you know the storylines already, or you’re a new one, in which case you can’t be expected to remember every detail about every team in the field. Because of this (but actually because I sat down to write at 11:15 and I have a call at noon), we’ll just hit you with the biggest stories. We aren’t going to write through every game. That wouldn’t make sense (actually we just don’t have time). Also, we’re only getting live scores from the simulations—no other stats—so it’s not like we’ll actually get to see whether Shaka Smart becomes angry at ref’s even though he doesn’t want to because that’s evidently the only thing that gets his offense moving.
1. NITexas Returns
The defending champions open play with a rough draw, taking on Stephen F. Austin, the best 7-seed in the field. It’s not like it gets easier as the tournament goes on, but they do have a disproportionately difficult first game, relative to their seeding. This is one to watch.
2. Anthony Edwards Plays
Because this is all just a simulation, no one can sit out and prepare for the NBA Draft. We finally solved that issue for the NIT, and it only took massive quarantining of society to do it. You’re welcome, grumpy fans of middling high-majors with NBA talent. Of course, we don’t get to watch any of these draft hopefuls play, but we know they’re in there. We see you, Reggie Perry.
3. Cinderella?
We talked about Stephen F. Austin, but keep an eye out for the other underdogs as well, especially the 8-seeds, the other 7-seeds, and Arkansas-Little Rock. Personally, I’m not sure this is a great year for the underdog (because our simulations include no variable for whether a team has checked out), but the NIT is full of surprises.
4. It’s an SEC World…or Is It?
Five SEC teams made the field in perhaps their best claim, to date, that it really does mean more over there. Of course, the naysayers will say their nays if the SEC can’t get three or four teams to the second round, especially with Alabama and Mississippi State heavy favorites.
5. Those with Something to Prove
One of the best annual NIT narratives is teams proving that, contrary to their performance across the regular season and conference tournaments, they actually are pretty good. Look for this out of Minnesota. For others, it’s similar, but it’s that they got jilted by the selection committee, as opposed to just playing badly and recognizing it. Look for the committee-disrespect angle from Texas Tech and Rutgers.
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Again, if you’d like to join our Virtual NIT Bracket Challenge, there’s still time. We’ll be posting the spreads for these games later today, but as for the games themselves, you can follow along on our 2020 Virtual NIT page beginning at 8:00 PM EDT.
