UNC may be backing out of the NIT, but not Rutgers.
Per college basketball writer Jerry Carino, coach Steve Pikiell says the Scarlet Knights “absolutely” will accept their NIT invitation. Noting, Pikiell wants to give postgrad Caleb McConnell and the other guys a chance to keep playing together.
Rutgers was one of the biggest snubs of Selection Sunday in many fans eyes. They gave their thoughts on Pikiell’s decision on social media.
“Sounds like Rutgers fans will get at least one more game at the RAC this year,” a podcaster said.
“We need to pack the RAC for this. These kids played their hearts out all year/career,” an RU fan tweeted.
“Right move for sure,” another added. “It may bot be the expected result all was hoping for, but no reason to stop playing basketball when there are games and practices still to be had.”
“Respect,” a user replied. “Other than injuries, hate when teams ‘big time’ these post season tournaments when they don’t make NCAA. These guys are gonna be in the gym anyways, why not hoop?”
Good on Pikiell and his program.