Look…I get it.

NC State coaches, players and fans of the program all wish the Men’s Basketball team was dancing in the NCAA Tournament.

The NIT is never the goal of any program.

Back in 1975, NC State legend David Thompson said…

“Personally, I don’t want to play another basketball game unless it’s in the NCAA. The NIT just seems like such a loser’s tournament.”

While I get the sentiment, I don’t agree with Skywalker.

This team is not a group of losers, and they have been given another opportunity to put the Red and White on with pride, and stand as brothers once again, and beat whoever walks onto the court with them.

One of the best ways to stick it to the NCAA selection committee would be to win the NIT, something the Wolfpack have never done.

This will mark the 12th time NC State has played in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament), and they enter the 2019 tournament with a 16-12 NIT record.

The Wolfpack have made it to the Final Four of the NIT 4 times.

1947: 3rd Place

1976: 3rd Place

1978: 2nd Place

2000: 4th Place

NC State has only lost in the 1st round of the NIT on two occasions: 1948 & 1984.

(Via NC State Media Guide)

NC State has an opportunity before them to prove the doubters wrong.

Also, the Wolfpack fanbase has an opportunity to not cry over spilled milk, and show once again they are the most faithful and loyal fanbase in the nation. This isn’t a time to boycott. It’s a time once again to support your team.

If your invited to play in a tournament, you might as well win the dang thing.