The college basketball season may be over, but that doesn’t mean the excitement is too. The NIT bracket for 2022 has been released and fans are gearing up to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the court. Here are the details on the 32-team tournament:
The Teams to Watch
Some of the top teams to watch in the NIT this year include Oklahoma, Memphis, NC State, and SMU. These squads will be looking to make a statement and prove that they are among the best in the country.
The Schedule
The NIT tournament will begin on March 15th, and the championship game will be played on March 31st. The first-round matchups are yet to be determined, but they promise to be action-packed and full of excitement.
Printable Brackets
Want to follow along with the tournament and keep track of your picks? We’ve got you covered. Here are some printable brackets for the 2022 NIT tournament:
History of the NIT
The National Invitation Tournament, or NIT, was first played in 1938. It was created by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association as a way to determine the best basketball team in the country, outside of the NCAA tournament. Since then, it has become a staple of the college basketball calendar and a prestigious tournament in its own right.
Some of the greatest players in basketball history have played in the NIT, including Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, and Earl Monroe. It has also been the breeding ground for some of the best coaches in the game, such as John Wooden and Adolph Rupp.
The WNIT
The Women’s National Invitation Tournament, or WNIT, is a postseason basketball tournament for NCAA Division I teams that were not selected for the NCAA Tournament. Like the NIT, it has a long history and has served as a showcase for many talented players over the years.
The format of the WNIT is similar to that of the NIT, with 32 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament. It is usually played in late March and early April, with the championship game taking place around the same time as the men’s tournament.
Looking Ahead to March Madness
The NIT and WNIT tournaments are just a taste of what’s to come in March. The NCAA Tournament is the biggest event in college basketball, pitting 68 of the best teams in the country against each other in a battle for the national championship.
Selection Sunday, the day when the NCAA announces the teams that will participate in the tournament, is one of the most exciting days of the year for college basketball fans. It marks the beginning of a three-week frenzy of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re a fan of college basketball, there’s no better time to be alive than March. So get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and enjoy the madness!
