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NCAA Basketball: 2019 NIT Season Tip-Off preview and predictions

By Donovan Darlington

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: A detail as Samir Doughty #10 of the Auburn Tigers holds a ball during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal against the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: A detail as Samir Doughty #10 of the Auburn Tigers holds a ball during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal against the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 03: Head coach Pat Chambers of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts during the second half while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on January 03, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 68-55. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 03: Head coach Pat Chambers of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts during the second half while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on January 03, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 68-55. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Favorite: Penn State

Coming off of last year, a  year in which Penn State did the usual and did not make the NCAA Tournament, people are saying this is their year to finally turn the corner and be good. I think they will, and I think they will earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

When I assess them relative to the others in the NIT Season Tip-Off, I see them as the most talented team. They are more sound at every position than the rest of the teams. Ole Miss will definitely be coming for them on Wednesday, so they will have to prove that talent. Nevertheless, Penn State is the favorite in Brooklyn this week.

Sleeper: Ole Miss

Where Penn State may be the most talented team this week, I see Ole Miss as the deepest. I also see the Rebels as the team coming in to challenge Penn State’s talent. Back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths will not come easy for the Rebels, and Kermit Davis and his squad is much aware of that. For that, they are out to compete and win.

Lots of NCAA basketball fans are sleeping on the Rebels. The loss to Memphis may not look great, but it is a loss that will allow us to truly see this team for who they are. This deep and experienced roster has guys capable of beating just about anybody. I would not be shocked to see the Rebels win.

Most Pressure: Syracuse

Last year, this Syracuse team with a proud history and high expectations did not have a very great year. Their season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the hands of Baylor. This year, the pressure is on them to improve.

Not only is there a lot of pressure surrounding them this season, but they have more pressure on their shoulders than any other team in the NIT Season Tip-Off. The tournament is in their own state, and all eyes will be on them to see how they handle the national spotlight.

Most to Prove: Oklahoma State

Of the teams in the field, Oklahoma State has the most doubt surrounding them this season. Not only that, but their record thus far seems to not be very telling of who they are. Due to the fact that they are still not understood, they have the most to prove this week in Brooklyn.

If they come out and put up a strong showing, NCAA basketball fans may give them some respect. At the point in which they come to Brooklyn and win games, they will have definitely earned respect and national attention as well.

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