I certainly hold the say over my opinion, which is why I said, "I think that is the proper perspective ..."BusyTarpDuster2017 said:Personally, if I wasn't good enough to participate in a main tournament, I would not want to participate in a "consolation bracket" and advertise that I wasn't good enough. I wouldn't get any positive feeling about winning against the leftovers, because it'd just mean I was the best of the worst. Whoopee. But that's me.bear2be2 said:We've been three times in the Scott Drew era and made two runs to the title game -- losing one, winning the other. I found both to be enjoyable ends to a disappointing season, providing a positive feeling where a negative one previously existed. I even went to the game we lost on a last-second shot to Mississippi State at the Ferrell Center in 2018 -- and enjoyed it until that shot rimmed in.BusyTarpDuster2017 said:I agree they didn't deserve it, and have no right to feel entitled. But I can understand why a team in the Power 5 wouldn't want to be associated with the "Not In Tournament" and heighten their disappointment. Honestly, if Baylor went to the NIT, I really wouldn't derive any pleasure from winning it, but I'd be embarassed to lose in it. So there isn't really any incentive for a proud Power 5 program.bear2be2 said:Then don't lose six of your last eight and get run off the floor by a middling TCU team in your conference tournament opener.BusyTarpDuster2017 said:
I can't say I blame OU. When you got your heart set on dancing with Cinderella, you're not going to accept one of her ugly sisters.
Oklahoma had no reason whatsoever to feel entitled to an NCAA tournament spot. Neither did any of these other programs that were left out of the field and decided to throw a fit about it.
I don't expect others nationally to care about the NIT or what my team does in it. But when Baylor has played in it, I've enjoyed watching them play the extra games and try to make some lemonade out of lemons.
I think that is the proper perspective and outlook to take on the NIT. And I would be disappointed if a coach of our program chose to opt out. Fortunately, Scott Drew would never.
But you do, so that's why you don't understand OU. I don't, so that's why I do. But I don't think you hold the say over what's the "proper perspective" to have.
There are risks of injury that might affect the next season to consider too. The risk/reward of the NIT may not be favorable enough for some teams and some individual players.
And when it comes to sports and competition, I very much subscribe to the Matt Rhule perspective. I have little respect for "competitors" who don't want to compete and "players" who don't want to play.
The opportunity to do both at a competitive level is fleeting. And when these kids reach an age where they can no longer do it, I doubt any of them will be saying, "I sure am glad I opted out of those games and an extra chance to play and compete with my teammates."