Georgia’s season could continue in CBI, CIT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It was just two years ago Georgia proved that anything was possible in the SEC tournament — going from cellar dweller to conference champs during a chaotic weekend in Atlanta. This year, the Bulldogs will have to repeat that feat to have a shot at an NCAA tournament berth, but a loss in Nashville, Tenn., wouldn’t necessarily mean an end to their season.

Despite a losing record, Georgia (13-16, 5-11 SEC) could still earn an invite into one of the lower-tier postseason tournaments — likely either the College Basketball Invitational Tournament or the CollegeInsiders.com Tournament — and get a few more games of experience before calling it a season. But even if the invite comes, head coach Mark Fox isn’t sure he’ll accept.

“I think some of those people maybe have contacted the school, but I’m not sure,” said Fox, whose team played in the late game Thursday at the SEC tournament. “I haven’t had deep discussions with (athletics director) Damon Evans about that yet.”

While invitations to the more high profile NIT — the consolation tournament for many teams whose bubbles burst without an NCAA berth — the CBI and CIT tournaments don’t provide much prestige, they do offer additional experience. So while several other programs may not be inclined to accept an invite, it could be just what Georgia’s young team needs to get a jump on next season.

The CBI is entering its third season of existence, with Tulsa and Oregon State winning titles the first two years of the tournament. Fox’s Nevada teams participated in the CBI both years. The CIT is in its second year of existence after Old Dominion beat Bradley in the inaugural championship game. Both tournaments invite 16 teams annually.

Whether or not the Bulldogs would accept an invite to either tournament rests significantly on how they perform in the SEC tournament, Fox said. A strong finish might be motivation to keep the momentum going.

“I think if we play well in the tournament, these kids might deserve that chance,” Fox said. “Am I going to base my position solely off how they play in the tournament? No, but that’s something Damon and I will have to discuss.”