🏀The NIT was the premiere event in collegiate men's basketball before the NCAA tournament
🏆The NIT determined a national champion each year from a bracket of six teams
🗽New York's iconic Madison Square Garden hosted the NIT, offering maximum media exposure
🤝The NIT and NCAA tournaments coexisted until 1950, with the NIT winner claiming to be the true national champion
💥The NIT's influence declined after major programs became hesitant to play in New York due to a point-shaving scandal
What was the NIT's role in college basketball?
—The NIT was once considered the premier event in collegiate men's basketball and determined a national champion each year.
Where was the NIT held?
—The NIT was hosted exclusively at Madison Square Garden in New York, providing maximum exposure for the tournament.
Did the NIT and NCAA tournaments coexist?
—Yes, the NIT and NCAA tournaments coexisted until 1950, with the NIT winner claiming to be the true national champion.
Why did the NIT's influence decline?
—The NIT's influence declined after major programs became hesitant to play in New York due to a point-shaving scandal.
Who is considered the true national champion in college basketball today?
—The NCAA tournament winner is considered the true national champion in college basketball today.
00:00The NIT played a crucial role in the development of college basketball and March Madness.
01:12The NIT and NCAA tournaments coexisted until 1950, when City College of New York won both tournaments.
01:59After a point-shaving scandal, major programs became hesitant to play in New York City regional first-round games.
02:08The NCAA tournament's expansion and TV coverage led to its emergence as the primary collegiate basketball tournament.
02:19Today, the NCAA tournament winner is recognized as the true national champion.
