Dons avoid a postseason shutout with berth in NIT
Tension on Selection Sunday isn’t limited to the bubble teams that do or don’t get into the NCAA Tournament. There’s also tension for teams that expect — but aren’t assured — to receive a bid to the NIT.
Count USF head coach Chris Gerlufsen and the Dons (23-10) among the folks who experienced some NIT anxiety Sunday. Early in the evening, the Dons got the welcome news: They’re in the field of 32, and will play at Cincinnati (20-14), a No. 2 seed, on Wednesday night.
“Until you actually know, you’re kind of sitting on pins and needles,” Gerlufsen said in a phone interview with the Chronicle on Sunday night. “So just to see our name pop up on the screen and know that we have another opportunity to compete as a program was a great feeling.”
USF has a storied history, highlighted by NCAA titles in 1955 and ’56, and a 60-game winning streak. Its most recent history isn’t nearly as glorious: In the past four decades, the Dons have made two appearances in the NCAA Tournament and this will be their third in the NIT.
“We value this and we view it as a chance to really elevate our program and take a step and continue to climb the ladder,” Gerlufsen said. “Obviously, we have bigger aspirations and we want to play in the NCAA Tournament, but to have a chance to continue to play in a tournament that has been really important to our university in the past is special.”
Gerlufsen was referring to the Dons’ NIT title in 1949, when the NIT was considered about on par with the NCAA Tournament.
This season, the Dons have been led by firstteam All-WCC selections Jonathan Mogbo, a forward averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and Marcus Williams, a guard who’s averaging 14.1 points per game.
USF went 20-14 last season and did not appear in the postseason.
“I’m happy with the trajectory of where we’re headed,” Gerlufsen said. “Did we achieve everything we talked about before the year? No, we didn’t, but we’re in a really good spot.
“I know our guys are extremely excited. I’m just happy as a coach to have a few more days with our guys and really enjoy the experience with ’em.” Briefly: Gerlufsen termed freshman guard Ryan Beasley as questionable for Wednesday. The Dougherty Valley-San Ramon alum has been dealing with an illness. … USF assistant coach Kyle Bankhead was an assistant to Cincinnati head coach Wes Miller for four seasons (2017-21) at UNC Greensboro. … The NIT will employ a 16-foot-wide lane, instead of the 12foot-wide lane used in the college game. The NBA has a 16-foot-wide lane. … The NIT semifinals and final will take place at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse on April 2 and 4.