WinnIng games in the CIT or whatever the other also ran tourney is named means nothing. It gets the MAC no respect. Butler gets respect. Gonzaga gets respect. But look at the schedule they play.
It means a lot to the players. It means a lot to the coaches. It is great extra practice that will carry over to next season.
Old Dominion won the first CIT in 2009. They used that momentum and secured an NCAA bid last year, even won a tournament game.
Missouri State won the CIT last year, they were the regular season conference champs of the MVC this year.
Good points. I think though in our particular situation having arrived in the CIT shorthanded with a couple of strong seniors off of last years NCAA run (Washington, Freeman) our run this year looks like we are trailing off nicely into the sunset with some of the talent we had last year rather than the CIT run being a precursor to more success in 2011-12. What I'm really seeing in this CIT run is that if Ohio can at least pull out its 20th win here that is good continuity for the program with back-to-back 20 win seasons for the first time since probably 94-95. That will set the tone in recruiting as the Groce program moves forward. As I've said before 20 wins should be the standard for this program on an off season, and 25 wins more the norm. With all the attrition coming into this season and only 7-8 real scholarship players the outcome this year is acceptable, IMO.
We actually had 10 scholarship players this year, but I understand your point. Obviously, we lost quite a few guys we thought we'd have. Expectations by some for this year were a little high. The team improved tremendously. It's still playing quite well. I'm glad that we get all of this extra practice and at least a couple extra games. I know some wanted the freshmen to play more, but you play to win. The young guys can learn in practice and by observation, just like the transfers. It's also good for them to get this extra time with the team.
I hope we can build the program described. I think 20 wins is not too much to expect on a yearly basis (with an occassional exception). I think we're headed in that direction, and I think this tournament time only helps that.