George Mason Basketball: George Mason doesn't receive bid to NIT

Monday, March 12, 2012

George Mason doesn't receive bid to NIT

Well we knew the Patriots had a slim chance of making the NIT this year, and all the regular season champions losing in their conference tournaments certainly didn't help. Athletic director Tom O'Connor stated the school wasn't going to participate in either the CBI or CIT tournaments so that season is officially over for Paul Hewitt and George Mason. The Washington Post has some quotes from Hewitt:

The Patriots’ chances were “a flip of the coin, at best,” Coach Paul Hewitt said Sunday night after watching the 32 teams unveiled.

“I started to feel uneasy the last few days with all the regular season champions getting knocked out,” said Hewitt, who had a 24-9 record in his first season at George Mason. “It seemed there were two every day.”

I know some fans think it's crazy that a 24-9 team isn't playing in any post season but most high mid-major and BCS schools view the CBI and CIT as a joke. Keep in mind the Patriots barely drew 2,000 fans when they hosted a CIT game in 2009, so O'Connor isn't making things up by saying it's not a financially good option for the program. The Patriots had a weak schedule this season, which wasn't Hewitt's fault considering that last coaching staff built this year's schedule. The CAA as a whole didn't do themselves any favors in the non-conference schedule and sadly it really hurt Drexel and Mason's postseason chances. Still Mason missed key opportunities, especially in the preseason NIT and on the road against UVA. Also, had they had made the CAA finals, they might have had their named called for the NIT bracket last night.

And for the people that are saying all extra games benefit the young players is not something I necessarily agree with. This is going to be a completely different team next season, so playing another sloppy game this season with Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison hoisting up another 17-20 shots isn't going to help next year's team much. Three starters are gone and the front court will be completely different, plus you have two guys who sat out this season and two freshmen joining the rotation.

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Labels: NCAA Tournament, schedule

56 Comments:

Think About It said...: what a shame :(; 9:48 AM
Rmjank said...: Ryan, I hear what you’re saying about the value of these also-ran tournaments, but I think there’s something to be said about letting your team play on, giving them more tournament experience, and just plain old rewarding them. No, it’s not what everyone hoped for at the beginning of the year, but it’s what we’re left with. It’s really no different than college football where every bowl season you have your Oregon State accepting a bid to play your Louisiana Tech in the Mountain Dew Meineke Car Care Jetlag Bowl. And I know, the one difference is that the bowl game somehow seems to make money, but like I said previously, it’s time for the AD to open his wallet and spend just a few, especially considering the things he has NOT spent money on. And yes, we drew only 2k plus to the CIT game with Fairfield, but hey maybe if we had actually not blown the 30 point lead and actually won the %&$#@ game, we could have hosted another game or two in the tourney and turned a profit. I really really hate to keep comparing us to vcu, but they were all whoops and hollers two years ago when they won the CBI.; 10:09 AM
Christopher Hirsch said...: Pittsburgh and Butler sucked it up and is playing in those tournaments. Looking at some of the schools that are hosting games, I think it is sort of a joke that we're too cheap to host one.; 10:14 AM
Rmjank said...: Oh, and by the way, looks like ODU and Ga. State have both accepted bids to host CIT games. Don't they know it's not "cost effective?" Well, maybe ODU knows the value, monetary and otherwise, since they won the CIT 3 years ago, in front of 8,000 fans. But then, maybe these two schools, Ga St especially, really haven't had the great success that Mason has had, so they don't know the disappointment that accompanies having to stoop down to such a lesser tournament. I mean, after all that Mason has done, going to the final 4 a few years back, and that big win against Villanova last year, how could they settle for a mere .... oh, heh-heh, I've just been informed that Butler has agreed to host a CBI game this year.; 10:23 AM
Charlie T said...: I agree with you. It is tough to say the season is over but based on pre-conference it would have been rough for any CAA team in the top 4 to be selected to anything had they all lost in the first or like us second round of our tournament. Do I like that the pre-conference has so much weight. No but the only way to help that would be to change the bracket buster and have the middle teams of the BCS play the top teams of Mid-majors all at the home court of Mid-Majors. That is not going to happen but if it did it would eliminate some arguments. Thanks again for the season and thanks to everyone for their comments. It gave me something to enjoy right or perhaps wrong.; 10:25 AM
Mooky_l3d said...: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO as much as this season was painful at times to watch it was still MASON BASKETBALL and I really don't pay attention to any one else. So this is the end and this sucks. Hopefully I will do well on my million brackets.; 10:52 AM
gmuhoops said...: ODU sells a hell of lot more tickets than Mason does so it is cost effective for them. They told local media they need 4,000 fans to break even: http://hamptonroads.com.nyud.net/2012/03/march-madness-looms-odu-makes-plans

which they can actually do.; 11:07 AM
gmuhoops said...: Once again Pittsburgh and Butler have fans that will pay to watch these games. If they can make money for their programs by hosting these they why not? Are programs aren't on that level and don't have the same type fan base.; 11:08 AM
gmuhoops said...: Mason is cheap and won't spend money on the program. It's why Larranaga is gone and it's why we are in this position right now.; 11:10 AM
Patriot74 said...: Other points to make. AC's immaturity and the infamous credit card incident destabilized us and probably cost us the Florida Int'l/Atlantic games. Maybe those wins woulda made the difference. I know: shoulda,coulda,woulda.

Still its painful were not in postseason. First time in 5 years. How painfull.; 11:19 AM
worldbeater said...: Despite missing the postseason, I still think 24-9 is great record for a coach who is in his first year with a team. I think it bodes well for the future.; 11:31 AM
Christopher Hirsch said...: I get the reasoning why, just saying it sucks. Not even focusing on Pittsburgh and Butler it's sad that programs like Evansville, Penn, and San Francisco feel like they have the support necessary to make it worthwhile.; 11:41 AM
Now a Hoya said...: I guess the moderator is showing "fan-dom" (sp?) by approving this? I went to GMU, and so did my son -- my other son has been accepted. Been a fan since 1983. Was totally appaulled by Larranaga the way he left. But this proves he's correct. This is a slap to fans and players and will hurt in recruiting. Hoops coach not the only one at school unhappy with AD. This confirms it and will switch me to more Hoya games. Will cost students and athletes who go else where. Short term "savings" longterm loss -- mistreat folks in this way and they'll go elsewhere. Finanial interest? Should talk with marketing folks -- NOT acccountants. Hurt the program BIG time -- again!; 11:46 AM
Dan said...: On to next season. The first big question will be whose pictures will be on the masthead? I vote for Wright, Arledge and Copes.; 11:46 AM
gmuhoops said...: MIssing the NCAA tournament and losing to VCU every year hurts the program. Not passing on joke, pay-per-play tournaments like CIT/CBI.; 11:49 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Because "we" do bone-headed stuff like this! Idiotic -- coaches don't like GMU athletics department though they are in it! Now you see why. All the junk about last CBI is just that -- junk. No money? How about hot dog sales? This is a bad decision. 15 scholarships at 20k per year for 4 years is $1.2M -- and you "can't afford" $30k. What about playing on the road in CBI or CIT? Again, admit it --ANOTHER terrible decision. Maybe go D III boys -- GMU is becoming a "too academic for athletics" school. Unlike rational places, like Harvard and Penn.; 11:52 AM
gmuhoops said...: I still understand what losing money in playing in these crappy tournaments does for the program. Please explain.

I agree the school isn't spending enough on basketball but I have no problem passing on this, would rather that money be put to more recruiting visits for the coaching staff.; 11:55 AM
Ptrzem said...: I agree. It's disappointing but in perspective, it could have been much worse than a 24 win season. Hewitt had his ups and downs but overall not bad for a first year coach. I mean he really only had one player that was his.; 12:24 PM
Think About It said...: Person and mike Mo brought students and fans out to the games. Person earning the CAA player of the year. These players brought in money and support to our school. And closing the wallet on these great players, not to mention great people is morally wrong. Future recruits will see how the AD treats their coaches and players and choose to attend other schools.; 1:14 PM
gmuhoops said...: The players don't care. In 2009 Cam Long went home before the CIT because he thought the season was over and was suspended for the game. Former VCU Ram Jamie Skeen said on twitter yesterday the CBI they played in was a joke. Future recruits don't even know what the CIT/CBI is, they know what the NCAA Tournament and NIT are because they are on CBS and ESPN.; 1:58 PM
jim said...: Maybe this wouldn't have worked, but why couldn't gmu have a sponsor buy up some tickets and give them away for free. The school in my town did this for certain regular season games, and it seemed to work out. (granted, the school is Binghamton University, the worst team in DI this year) Oh well, hopefully failing to make the NCAAs or NIT will make the team hungrier next year.; 4:43 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Assuming the cost to have a game is $30,000...

I'm not saying anything one way or the other, but according to CAAZone the GMU athletic budget for 2009-2010 was $16,926,125. If we only had 2000 people show up at $10 pop ($18 regularly) that's $20,000. So, at the end of the day the game would cost $10,000 out of a $16.9 million budget.

All of this is assuming figures from two years ago are the same. The current budget may be higher or lower.

http://boards.caazone.com/showthread.php?106422-CAA-Athletic-Budgets; 5:10 PM
Ross_williams1 said...: I disagree with you on this one. Post season play is still better than no post season play. I wish it was a "either/or" situation. The school will not spend the money on these tournaments or on the recruiting visits. The administration has recently made bad decisions in regards to the basketball program all based upon money, and ironically, it was the basketball program that finally put GMU on the map. Not the Nobel prize winners on the faculty or the highly rated law school (and I am very proud of these accomplishments).; 5:14 PM
gmuhoops said...: Last year they spent $2,126,409 on men's basketball. Source:
http://www.bbstate.com/schools/GMU; 5:16 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I failed to mention there would be overhead involved, like hiring security, vendors, parking staff, paying electricity, etc. This shouldn't be a massive deal, but I wanted to mention it none the less.; 5:25 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Does anybody know the length of Hewitt's contract? Did I hear 5 years at one point? How about Roland Houston? I say we sign him for 20 years!; 5:27 PM
Rmjank said...: I'd feel a lot better if I knew there were other teams out there that rejected offers from the CBI or CIT. That maybe there was a groundswell of opinion that these tourneys were not worth it (and that the demise of these tourneys may lie in the balance). It doesn't seem to be the case, judging by the other teams that have put their money in the hat, biting the bullet or not. And I thought ODU didn't draw that much more than we did (and in the early rounds of the CIT when they were last in it, they drew 2k similar to Mason). Besides, you gotta "build it and they will come." Mason has always had to fight off the commuter school image; they make it all the harder to fight it when they don't act like they are invested in the program.; 6:23 PM
gmuhoops said...: A 15-16 team is in the CBI, what other proof do you need that other schools turned them down? I wish these tournaments didn't exist, they remind me of t-ball where everyone gets a trophy...; 6:40 PM
COOLHEAD said...: I agree with Ryan and AD the pay as you go are a waste of time and money!; 7:05 PM
Coolhead said...: Ryan,

People voiced their opinion and we have new scoreboard! What are the things most needed to improve program? I for one contact the alumini ass and patriot club as I d; 7:12 PM
Coolhead said...: Ryan,People voiced their opinion and we have new scoreboard! What are the things most needed to improve program? I will contact the alumini ass and patriot club as I did last year.; 7:13 PM
Dsndsn said...: In three weeks this will all be forgotten. My predictions, the NCAA will expand the tournament to feature larger play-ins at several centralized locations (like Dayton), forming a de facto "play-in" system. The NIT will be turned-into a totally" pre-season tournanent", and one or more of the the alphabet soup tournaments will fold-up their tent and or merge, and or (hopefully) disappear. Or then again all of this won't happen, and maybe the whole post-season will remain a giant "cluster f**k.; 7:20 PM
Taylormade703 said...: Practice Facility like the one VCU is building. If you have to put a Verizon Wireless logo on our court like they did to help pay for it, then so be it!; 7:59 PM
Taylormade703 said...: I have to respectfully disagree. The argument "not my players" only goes so far. Yes, maybe you like faster or more physical players, but teaching fundamentals is the same no matter what. Boxing out is still boxing out, smart passes are still smart passes, hustle is still hustle. Haith at Missouri doesn't have "his kids." Roy was a national title at Carolina with "Matt Doherty's kids." Shaka won the CIT tourney 3 years ago with "Anthony Grant's kids."; 8:06 PM
Taylormade703 said...: On this subject, you may very well be right. In a few weeks we'll be thinking about the UVA opener in November. What I'm picking up from everybody on here is we need to step up our game (not just on the court). Maybe we need to invest more money in our program. Maybe we need to make our voices heard. We all want the same thing (or we should). We all want to get from point A to point B. Realistically, what can we do to make things better for the GMU basketball program going forward?

I'm game on working on this.; 8:11 PM
Mason fan since '03 said...: Good luck getting more money out of Mason, did you see the video when the new president was asked about a football program? If Merten, who was a huge fan and not only went to home games but to the tournament in Richmond, couldn't get Mason to spend more money on the basketball program then they are currently, you really think this new president who publicly stated right off the bat that he is against schools being more focused on athletics then academics is going to increase Mason's spending on basketball? HA, good luck with that one!; 10:31 PM
Good said...: If Mason is not in the big dance, I will not watch any NCAA game this march, no matter who is playing. Looking forward to this November.

The lost to VCU twice by big numbers is puzzling. VCU is not a difficult team to beat. If P. H. did a little bit adjustment, we would win both games. VCU plays a very focused game, uses a very old strategy over and over again, e.g. pressing, shooting 3s outside. If we always have 2-3 players on the back court to ensure the ball can pass the half court, they will not press. Play a slow pace. Secondly, have their 3 point shooters marked all the time. Force them to play an inside game, but no outside 3s. In addition, full court press them as they press us, let them be surprised, and let them become exhausted. Hopefully, the coaches lean from their failures when we deal with VUC again in the next season.; 10:41 PM
Now a Hoya said...: You keep playing the "I don't understand why it is a bad decision" line when the REASON it is a bad decision has been explained. Seriously, take off the blinders and see reality. This is a stab in the back of fans who want to see the team play. It is a stab at the seniors who want to play again -- and it is a stab at the coach. You can make all the "trips" you want to recruit -- but having 5 -- that is FIVE (5) conference teams play in post eason when you are not one???

Dude, catch some reality. Kids know thisstuff and ask "why" -- "umm, uh, er -- well, we can't afford $30k" really? Is this some small private school in the NEC. These people are destroying the goose that laid the golden egg. For any hoops fan to say "it's okay -- who cares" -- you either don't understand recruiting or are too loyal to understand that this place is "bad decision-central."

I'm going to watch Patriot League American in the CIT. I don't consider the program serious at GMU anymore so I'm gonna turn attention in other directions -- after following the Pats since 1983; 1:32 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Done - zo, finished, kaput. Like Mike Tyson's career. Not a serious program. Attendance will fall more -- recruits won't come. VCU will be winning the CAA back-to-back-to-back-to-(understand?). VCU spent money on Smart -- GMU said "thanks Coach L -- see ya." VCU wll be as Memphis is to C-USA and GMU will have a hard time being "next" as Drexel, ODU and Ga State get more serious.

All REAL fans should be clling for some people to get fired -- because to say nothing is to let them do what they want with OUR program. WE pay for it -- this is a state school -- the "AD" is not our boss, we are his boss! He is a care-taker with a public trust -- a trust he's violated

You have great "handle" but I can't believe you don't understand what this means. Post season is, has been and will be a measure for program success -- and a key to recruiting success. This is the first major evidence of lack of support for the program -- and it means "also ran" status is in the near future. Yup -- DIII; 1:41 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Literally, this is total drivel. Has nothing to do with reality and THIS team. You gotta be embarrassed to post something like that -- or too clueless to bother talking further with any further. See ya (in the stands- if you decide to come to a Hoyas game sometime) whenever you get around to giving loyalty to a serious program and understanding rational decision-making

Do you work in GMU's AD office?; 1:47 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Let's see how many transfer out first!; 1:48 AM
Now a Hoya said...: I've been a fan since 1983 -- these people are not seeing reality. A muugging is happening and a program being ruied and they say "can' wait until next year."

Mark my words -- at least one HUGE "transfer out" now likely. Been around this game a LONG time. Coach HS kids still -- this is a BIG mistake and it shows where the school is headed -- AWAY from development of hoops; 1:53 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Fella -- for real. No post-season makes recruit say "why?" Answer: School too cheap to spend $20k. Recruit gies elsewhere. School loses again to VCU in Richmond. Come on -- stop denying cause and effect reality.

Basic math and logic -- elementary school stuff. Five years from now all will know what happened -- except you?? Dude, serious -- if you are a real fan see reality.

If you work at GMU, then -- well -- you "gotta" say "good decision" but that makes you part of the problem my man. Does not matter now. Too late. DIII is the way to go will save LOTS of money. No scholarships -- saves MILLIONS!; 1:58 AM
Now a Hoya said...: You can't convince "GMU hoops" -- I swear he must be the ADs son or something? Has a bone-headed comeback for every point -- but it's okay, plenty of schools to play agains in DIII. Maybe they'll actually win the conference playing against Marymount and/or Mary Washington instead of VCU; 2:02 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Not "missing" post season -- stolen by the cheap folks who run OUR (public) university; 2:08 AM
gmuhoops said...: So CIT/CBI is BiG time now? No one views them as real tournaments. Face facts we missed NCAA tournament, can even name the teams that were in the finals of those other two? No, because no one follows them they are instrument to make money off march madness.; 6:56 AM
gmuhoops said...: I don't work for the AD, can you not tell that this is a blogspot fan site? How is anything I said drivel? It's what HAPPENED. You think Georgetown would ever play in the CIT/CBI? Mason was a #9 seed at-large team last season, they are above these non-sense, money-making tournaments, THEY ARE NOT RUN BY THE NCAA like the other two REAL tournaments are, do you not understand that?

Also, the school had "extra games" that you all crave so much this season in the NIT tip-off, against Brown and Albany. They weren't part of season ticket plans so fans had to pay extra to get in. No one came, I was there and you could hear a pin drop in the arena.; 8:29 AM
gmuhoops said...: Thanks, glad to see not everyone has the FInal Four blinders on. After watching this team's last four games I find it hilarious anyone is saying that they deserve to be in the postseason.; 8:39 AM
Now a Hoya said...: Language my man -- language. First -- the seniors earned an invitation that the AD rejected. Just facts -- brah!

Next, I have been a college hoops fan probably since before you took yur first breath. A high school hoops coach who has seen more games a year than many ESPN analysts. I live in Metro DC and close to GMU -- where I and a son of mine attended.

Name calling will not hide the fact that you don't really have the foggiest clue. You should work for the school if you don't -- all you do is parrot the "party line" and now YOU are attacking the teams fans.

Bottom line is for somebody with that screen name who spends all this time on GMU Hoops, you might ought to actually learn something from folks who know more than you.

I got other things to do -- so I'm outta this weak spot where so called fans defend decisions that destroy a program.

I have followed this team for many years to games all across the easten part of this country. I just don't see me -- and many others -- maintaining that motivation knowing that the admin is cutting back on hoops

Peace, we out -- and, uh, check the language fella; 9:02 AM
Billpro123 said...: I am a huge fan of GMU basketball and I am thankful not to have to watch another slop-fest, espeically in a meaningless tournament nobody has heard of. Once teams figured out all they had to do was deny the ball inside Hewitt was lost - am I exagerating when I say Smart coached circles aroud Hewitt? I know Hewitt can recruit - he proved that at Ga. Tech. In my humble opinion he proved a whole lot more than that at Ga Tech, and none of it was cause for us to hire him. I am not optimistic about the future of our program in the least.; 9:08 AM
Now a Hoya said...: I was there too. Not post-season my man -- not going to "post season" -- as a high school coach I am trying to help you learn something -- but you are too dense to get reality. This IS fact -- not "opinion"

The decision will have a signficant long term impact, look at UMD's down draft after they skipped the NIT

By the way, have you seen who is playing the "3rd rate non-NCAA" eventsthis year. Ever heard of Pitt? If you don't work for the AD you should apply because there are not many people who would try to keep such an obviously idiotic party line in the face of all factual evidence.

Suggestion -- either learn some facts or get a new hobby. Not really cool to mislead people "just because you can"; 9:09 AM
gmuhoops said...: maryland's athletic problems stem from financial issues, so basically you're proving my point to be correct that making dumb financial decisions like this won't help a program do anything.

Pittsburgh was 17-16 on the season and 5-13 in the Big East. That's a post season team to you? There were awful, but they actually have a fan base that will show up if they have extra games, we don't, get the fuck over it. They wouldn't have been a postseason team before these tournaments were created. How many other BCS teams in that? Almost none BECAUSE THEY TURNED IT DOWN. Why do you think Mason is the only team that did this, they actually have pride and know when to take defeat. I'm more proud of that than watching them play in a glorified exhibition tournament that means nothing.

I'm just stating what the school said! That makes me work in the ADs office. I agree because I don't care about this team playing in the CIT/CBI. I want the team to go to the NCAA tournament every year. Do you give your high school kids a pizza party after every loss and tell them how awesome they are? I would never want to play for you, someone who settles for "everyone gets to play if you have a check" tournaments.; 9:22 AM
Richard said...: If the "Now a Hoya" dude is right, and we lose players... we are in trouble. We need to pick up a player who will excite the fan base... not lose people.. .we already lost Luke Hancock who was a fan favorite and a heck of a player...

I am not very optimistic now either... in reality, you can't win games by Living on a Prayer... you need good players and excellent coaching... if GMU is too cheap to participate with the big dogs, then I will drop my season ticket... not there yet, but worried.

PS - no need to get personal on here, complete with obscenities... let's have a little class... this is about an institution of higher learning, after all....; 10:34 AM
Dsndsn said...: "Did you see the video when the new president was asked about a football program?....He said reportedly,."you mean Futbol..or is it Futbol'....right?"....I really wonder about the future of the hoops program. I am worried that we will face a problem similar to my Law School alma mater, W&M, which I attended after Mason. The Board of Visitors at thought they were choosing an insider, earlier this decade, in Gene Nichol, a former Okla. State Backup QB and Law School professor at the school during my time there (83-86'), and then the Current Dean of UNC Law. Instead what they got the second coming of Karl Marx. (No surprise to those who took his class. lol) After he was appointed president, he instituted various changes from the liberal (the institution of a major affimative action program), the "bizzare" (the allowance of a "Sex Workers" show on Campus), to the unexpected and undemanded "the unforgivable"", the removal of the Gold Cross from the Wren CHAPEL..where several founding fathers had worshipped..to make the chapel more accomoating to ALL religions! Huh? Its historically a Christian Chapel! He was unceremoniously shown the door after a few years. The last I heard he was back at UNC law as a full professor, but his academic career is all but over.; 11:01 AM
Think About It said...: GMUHOOPS you have a great site here. I check it pretty regularly. You are really on top of things.
However I am little turned off on the way you speak to other fans on this post. If the kid doesn't want to be a Mason fan any more, WHO CARES. A real fan will stick with a team through and thin.

However I think he makes a valid point. the school is constantly reluctant to spending money on the program. Money was the issue with Larenga, we still dont have practice facilities. The CIT CBI is a joke tournament but it is just another example of TOM O Connor being frugal; 11:02 AM
gmuhoops said...: I'm a fan, just like all of you, nothing more. So I'm going to defend myself when I'm attacked by other "fans" for having a difference of opinion. Don't expect to say dumb, uninformed non-sense like he was and expect me not to put you in your place.; 11:16 AM

George Mason doesn't receive bid to NIT

George Mason Basketball

Monday, March 12, 2012

George Mason doesn't receive bid to NIT

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