I think we were definitely a tournament worthy team, but do I think we would have made it to the Sweet 16 or beyond...no, not this year. We simply have not played well enough away from Coleman or found a consistent perimeter shooter to rely on game in and game out.
We play great D and never give up, but IMO the NIT turned out to be the best thing for this team in terms of positive exposure and team tourney experience. Plus, I haven't seen the Bama fanbase this fired up about Bball in a long time. A potential first of second round exit from the NCAAs would have severely hurt that momentum which no doubt will carry over into next year where we'll come in as a top 25 team.
Congrats to Bama and CAG for the record setting season at home. No regrets here about the tourney and I look forward to next year.
In the meantime, the Buffs will serve as a much better gauge as to how our NCAA experience may have gone as it will be a neutral court game against another NCAA tourney worthy team.
+1 Well said.