Voice of the Hawkeyes Board

Win the NIT. That sets up better for a run in the tournament next year than a first round loss IMO.

i hesitate only because going to the ncaa tnmnt would mean iowa won th b10 tnmnt. i see the question as win big10 or win nit----hmmmm. you know, b10 and then fall flat.

Winning the NIT this season could also be a huge step in building momentum in this program. I know for me personally, I did not have this team in the tournament at the beginning of the year, and it seems a lot of the fans did, so a lot of this season has been disappointing to them.

But like you said, the ultimate goal of every team every year is the NCAA Tournament. HMMM...interesting question by Todd. By winning the NIT, they will get extra games, and more time to work, also more exposure. Obviously by getting to the NCAA, that brings exposure in its own way as well.

I don't think they necessarily have to win the B1G Tournament to get to the Big Dance, like Silver said, but it could be possible. If that is the scenario that they would have to go to get to the Bog Dance then I would prefer that.

If they do not win the B1G Tournament, I am not really sure, I am leaning towards a trip to the tourney, but for some of my reasons, I would also like the NIT Championship.

Agreed. I'll be very happy with either outcome. Like you, I pegged Iowa as an NIT team this year. I saw no more than 19 regular season wins, so the team has actually gone above my original prediction. Either outcome will show growth which is something that nobody should be upset with. The program is still working its way back upwards.

I'd be thrilled with either, but the NCAA Tournament is the goal every year.

Valid point silver, I may have to change to this

I'm torn on this. From a recruiting standpoint, I think it's better to be able to say you made the NCAA Tournament. But from the standpoint of what's best for the current players on the team, winning the NIT might be the better option. That'd be five more games (as opposed to just one in the NCAA tourney) against quality competition on a neutral court in a must-win situation. That could really speed along the development of some of Iowa's younger players, improve team chemistry heading into next season, possibly get Iowa over the hump of being able to win close games, and also give the team/coaches that many more practices together. Also, while the NIT obviously doesn't get the exposure that the NCAA tourney does, the games would be nationally televised and the final two games would be in Madison Square Garden with a fair amount of publicity.

The Big Dance. It shows progress and the psychological lift would be greater.

Absolutely, the NCAA tourney.

And in reference to the above post, That simply isn't true. If Iowa wins out and wins 2 in the BTT and loses in semi's in a close one, I think they are in. They are definitely in if they make the finals. Win or lose. Iowa does not have to win the BTT. Making the finals puts them at 23 wins.