Wolferetti: Here is why the NIT matters to NC State and why it should matter to you

I’ve heard the case against NC State playing in the NIT. But you know what. It’s wrong.

The NIT matters.

Well, it matters this specific year, to this specific NC State team. Let me explain…

Making up for lost time

NC State losing Devon Daniels and Thomas Allen sucked, but there was a silver lining. The freshman class that was going to be relied upon to carry next year’s team was forced to shoulder the load this season.

That meant these guys were learning on the job and learning without any room for error. And you know what? That’s a tall order for any freshman in the ACC.

Look at it this way. COVID stole an entire summer of team workouts from these kids. A summer where they could have been learning the offense, learning to play together, and creating bonds with their teammates. It stole some individual workouts where coaches would have been able to correct errors and flaws that would show up more pronounced at the next level. COVID took them out of their co-living situations, meaning the only team interaction these kids had prior to the season was the scheduled practice time on the court.

That time needs to be made up if we want these future leaders of the Wolfpack to lead a team capable of making noise in the ACC.

And what better time to make it up than in Texas, at the NIT.

You can’t simulate postseason play

You just can’t do it. The only way to get experience playing in the postseason is to play in the postseason and that is just what they are doing.

You wanted a bunch of freshmen to show up in a win or go home atmosphere in Greensboro against a team whose entire starting 5 had been there before and beat them. Then you wanted them to do it again, and again until they reached the Championship.

You don’t understand this sport, do you? Well, if that was your expectation and now you are against us playing in the NIT, then no, you don’t.

This gives the freshmen a reset. You got to play in a season elimination game for the first time and it didn’t go so well. Here is your second chance.

The next time they get to play in an atmosphere like this we’ll all be expecting them to win, and win and win again to get to the championship.

Well folks, didn’t your parents tell you, practice makes perfect?

Right now, the NIT is the only way to get that type of practice.

Confidence Booster

These guys won 5 straight (including one over #15 UVA) and 5 straight ACC road games coming into the ACC tournament.

And then Syracuse happened.

Only one team in the nation gets to end the season with a win, everyone else goes home losers. But the high that NC State was on, and the bubble bursting as Buddy Boeheim sank 3 after 3, was a bit deflating (pun intended).

This is a chance to change that vibe. This gives NC State a shot to break off a few wins, go deep into a tournament and build a little confidence going into the off-season.

Sure, you could come out and just lose to Davidson, but then you’re just right back where you started.

BUTTTT…

You also could run the table, beat a bunch of decent teams in a survive and advance atmosphere, and take home the NIT Championship.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The hardware is worthless. But knowing you can produce with the pressure cooking, and taking out teams that the committee suggested are better than you, well that’ll build some confidence in these kids. And when your next few year’s success hinges on these guys, any bump in experience and confidence matters.

Playing in the NIT is a no-brainer and a win-win in my opinion. And in this article…that’s all that matters.