Commodores' NIT Run Proves Their Worthiness as a Tournament Team

NASHVILLE, TN - Vanderbilt Men's Basketball team experienced disappointment as they watched the NCAA Tournament Selection Show together on Sunday, only to find out they were not selected and were relegated to the NIT. However, this was a significant improvement from the previous year when they didn't even bother watching the show, knowing they had no chance of being selected. Coach Jerry Stackhouse saw this as a positive step towards their ultimate goal of becoming a perennial NCAA team, stating that they have improved every year.

Stackhouse's leadership and guidance have been instrumental in the team's progress. He has instilled a culture of hard work, resilience, and determination that has helped the team overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. He has also been vocal in advocating for his team's worthiness as a tournament team and has been critical of the selection process, which he believes can be biased and flawed.

The Commodores' success in the NIT has further bolstered their confidence and strengthened their resolve. They have proven that they are a talented and competitive team that can hold their own against tough opponents. Their performance in the NIT has also given them valuable experience and exposure that they can use to build towards their ultimate goal of becoming an NCAA team.

The team's star players, Lawrence and Manjon, have been instrumental in their success. They have consistently stepped up and delivered when it mattered the most, showcasing their skills and talents on the court. Their performances have inspired their teammates and elevated the team's overall level of play.

As the Commodores prepare to face Michigan in the second round of the NIT, they are focused and determined. They know that every game is an opportunity to prove themselves and show the world what they are capable of. They are determined to make the most of this opportunity and continue to build towards their ultimate goal of becoming a tournament team.

Despite their disappointment, the Commodores managed to defeat Yale in the first round of the NIT, led by guards Tyrin Lawrence and Ezra Manjon. Stackhouse expressed disappointment that the team didn't make the NCAA Tournament and criticized the NET rankings used in the selection process, citing their top-four finish in the SEC. Nevertheless, the team remained motivated and determined to prove themselves in the NIT, using it as an opportunity to demonstrate their worth as a tournament team. Stackhouse believed that the further they advanced in the NIT, the more it would validate their belief in their abilities.