For the longest time, the criticism against ACC teams like Virginia Tech is that they would not play anyone from the CAA. That may change next season, all because of the draw of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Both clubs are in it and are scheduled to face each other in Blacksburg in the second round.
The full 16-team field was officially announced Wednesday. George Mason earned the No. 5 seed and will face Florida International in the first round. The winner will face the winner of Virginia Tech vs. Monmouth. The winner of that game will head to New York for the semifinals.
That will be the "East" portion of the bracket. Elsewhere, Syracuse will host Manhattan, then likely play the winner of Albany vs. Brown. In the Midwest, Oklahoma State will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with the winner facing the winner between Oral Roberts and Texas San-Antonio. Out West, Stanford will host Fresno State, with Colorado facing SMU.