Which is better overall for the program?

[ShockBand]

I would take a one and done in the NCAA anytime, anywhere.

This NIT run is great, and I LOVE it, but it is making lemonade out of lemons. The best part aside from some ESPN exposure has been the chance for the team to shake some of the ick of the season off their backs.

[HarpBros]

We all know the exposure is different.... but we are still out there for people to watch. Best part is we are working the guys an extra three weeks. We didn't get that last year. Whatever helps elevate our team and the progress of the program is what matters in the long run. So I will take a long run in the NIT over the one and done in the big dance.

[kcshocker11]

Look at the tournament experience our guys are getting! I think it may benefit us in the future.

[60Shock]

I've thoroughly enjoyed and marveled at our run in the NIT, but it clearly, doen not come even close to our being in the NCAA.

I would hazzard a guess form my experience here in Florida, that unless your local school was in the NIT, there is likely very little information on the radio or in the newspapers pertaining to the NIT. And every day, there are pages of info about the NCAA teams - the schools that are playing; their records; significant wins; articles on their players; their coaches; and even their mascots. There is simply no comparison between the sparse country-wide news coverage and publicitiy associated with the NIT compared to the overwhelming coverage provided schools playing in the NCAA.

Plus, we may be overlooking one significant factor. If the Shocks had gotten to the Big Dance and played like they have played in our three games in the NIT (and there is no reason to expect otherwise), we would very likely have won our first game and very possibly the second game. And that, my friends equals, Sweet 16.

[forevershockerfan]

We now have 3 NIT quality wins on an ESPN type venue. People are even calling me, that are not Shocker fans, congratulating our beloved Shocks. What is it that Coach Marshall keeps saying? "You have to bloom where you are planted, and we ended up rooted in the NIT." Maybe that is close to what he said. Thus, we are making the best of what we earned this Season. Making NYC with a shot at winning the NIT is very cool.

With all that said, I would still rather see us Dance. However, bowing out and giving up would have been awful, and these NIT games have truly been fun and a breath of fresh air for both our players and we Shocker fans. It has made what could have been a negative, now a definite positive. Sometimes teams take a small step back, to spring forward where we long to be. We have been improving each Season with Marshall and even though we fell short of some predicted key expectations, I think the springing forward process is now already happening. The experts thought this was our Season. In many ways, it has been. Maybe not the quantum leap we expected, but solid progress is still being made. Better late than never. Let the peaking of this team continue in New, York, New York.

We have nothing to be ashamed of and much to be grateful for. It is awesome being a Shocker fan and now we are planted in a Final 4, with 1 and hopefully 2 more TV wins on a National scale. This all brings some needed spotlight on us, and that feels great. Thousands are watching as the blazing lights are getting brighter and shining our way. Maybe there are some recruits watching that someday will join us and lead us in the March Madness with even more milestones that are sure to come our way in due time.

[DCShockerFan05]

I think the NIT might be better exposure for recruits who are already considering us. It's gotta be good to see us playing really really smooth, efficient ball with 10 guys in front of an insane crowd. But longer term, I think the NCAA appearance would be better for getting people to really consider WSU to begin with. If I were recruiting someone against WSU I'd definitely be pointing out that they've only been to the tournament (and note I don't need to say which) once in the last 20-odd years.

Doesn't matter--right now I'm just glad to get to still watch my team play.

[BioShock]

Great points everyone! I'm still on the fence. I will say that I'm just happy to still watch this team play. Sure its not the big dance, but we are beating teams that have proven they can play with the best of em. Unfortunately I don't think the exposure compares.

[wsushox1]

Millions fill out NCAA brackets. How many fill out NIT brackets?

One and done in the NCAA is more national exposure. Getting to MSG gets you deeper exposure among six other partially-interested fanbases - the other three at MSG and the three you beat.

Now, that's from a college basketball fan perspective, and maybe recruiting.

From a team and player development viewpoint, MSG by far.

Your avatar>>>>>>

Most excited Murry had been all season and I loved seeing that passion in him.

[fuball7]

also have to factor in the extra WEEKS of practice making a run in the NIT as opposed to 1 and done in NCAA. definitely helps our younger guys develope. Demetric has made huge strides in my eyes the last couple games. And we seem to have figured a few things out on offense as a team. Hopefully that rolls into next year

[DUShock]

Winning.

Winning is best overall for the program.

:good: Well said. Exposure is exposure, and in this case it's very positive. I'll take what we can get given the circumstances.

Double ditto this team has made some seriously good lemonade from some VERY sour lemons for this alum.

I'd be in NYC if i wasn't saving for a Denali climb and having to make numerous training runs around the country.

Go Shocks!

[ShockBand]

I'd be in NYC if i wasn't saving for a Denali climb and having to make numerous training runs around the country.

Black ops run on the Palin estate? Better watch out, she can shoot.

[sundevilshox]

which is better

I will assume that the only way this year to get Option #1 was to win the MVC conference tourney. Based on that, I would choose option #1 as we finally get the 0 for St Louis albatross off our neck. Plus we hang two banners. And, a one and done in the Big Dance still means you were invited.

NIT has been a fun ride though.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

Why are we comparing the "one and done" to the Trees? If the Shocks had done what would have been necessary to get to the Dance, they would have probably been a 10 or 11 seed as it would have taken a minimum of two more wins.

Not a chance.

[RoyalShock]

I'd be in NYC if i wasn't saving for a Denali climb and having to make numerous training runs around the country.

Black ops run on the Palin estate? Better watch out, she can shoot.

But I hear she's a streaky shooter.




(Had to turn this back to basketball :) )

[GarH]

First choice of course is to make it to the Big Dance, but I've really enjoyed these games. I'm hoping all the praise about the fans and the arena will help us in the future with recruiting.