NIT Preseason Tip-Off

Usually I loathe AP stories, but this one is great... Probably cause it's written by one of the all-time greats Jim O'Connell. I can't really confirm that though as the name has been removed from the story, but it's my STRONG belief... I'm posting the whole story its that good. For the record, its my belief the NCAA will run this tournament into the ground with in five years, and Providence will have played in the final version of the "classic" Preseason NIT. Note the new name among all things...

Preseason NIT to Have Some Subtle Changes

Duke to face Drexel at MSG Nov. 22, 2005

NEW YORK (AP) - The preseason NIT will have some subtle changes when top-ranked Duke faces Drexel in the opening semifinal at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night - a new name, a new organizer and no beer in the stands.

"It's a historic tournament as it is the first one that the NCAA is in charge of," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Blue Devils, who have won more games in this tournament than an other school, will be followed in the second semifinal by No. 16 UCLA vs. No. 11 Memphis. The title game is Friday night.

The NCAA purchased the rights to the preseason and postseason National Invitation Tournaments in August as part of a settlement that ended a four-year legal fight between the two parties.

"Now that the NCAA has taken over the NIT, (I hope) that we are able to come up with an even better start, a more ceremonious start to our basketball season," Krzyzewski said.

This year the tournament name was altered to the NIT Season Tip-Off. There will now be a six-member panel to help choose future tournament fields.

There also will be no beer sold at Madison Square Garden.

"This is in keeping with the NCAA policy that at the championships they not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages during the games," NCAA president Myles Brand said. "There is no question that this will have a financial impact for us, but it is the right thing to do."

The Blue Devils are 16-2 all-time in the tournament and advanced to the semifinals with wins over Boston University and Seton Hall.

Duke (3-0) has run through its first three opponents, winning by an average of 33 points and forcing 57 turnovers in those games.

"Right now the four teams that are there are playing well," Krzyzewski said. "I am looking forward to playing Bruiser's (Flint) team."

Drexel is off to its best start since 1997-98 when the team also went 3-0. It will be playing a top-ranked opponent for the first time.

"It's an unbelievable experience for our guys to be in the semifinals," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "I just hope our guys go out and have a lot of fun."

The Dragons beat Princeton and Sam Houston State to advance to New York.

UCLA (3-0) is happy to be in Manhattan.

"A number of our players haven't been to New York before," coach Ben Howland said. "It's one of the greatest places to play."

UCLA guard Jordan Farmer, averaging 11.0 points, will return after sitting out Saturday's 56-37 victory over Delaware State with a sprained ankle. He will be instrumental in the Bruins' attempt to handle Memphis' pressure defense.

The Tigers (2-0) have six freshmen and two sophomores in their rotation.

"We're so young," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "I love coming to New York. It's a great experience for the kids."

Memphis had the toughest road to New York, winning at Alabama 87-76 on Thursday night. The Tigers are led by sophomore guard Darius Washington, who averages 19.5 points.

Washington has started strong after a tough finish to last season. He missed two of three free throws with no time left in a 75-74 loss to Louisville in the Conference USA championship game.

"He's unbelievable and mature," Calipari said.