2011 NIT BRACKET: WSU Reacts To Selection News

by Jeff Nusser on Mar 13, 2011 10:14 PM PDT in 2011-2012 WSU Basketball News

Just a couple of quick things to pass along regarding WSU's selection to the NIT as we wrap up the night.

Vince Grippi caught up with Ken Bone to put together this reaction piece, focusing both on the achievement for WSU and on the homecoming of former Gonzaga coach Dan Monson, now the coach at Long Beach State.

"I think it’s great" being at home, coach Ken Bone said. "It’s nice to be able to play on our home court. Unfortunately our students will not be here, but I would still rather be at home than on the road."

Monson's return to the Inland Empire will be a nice story in the days leading up to the matchup. One of the interesting things in Grippi's story is Monson's take on the mental state of his 49ers, who won the Big West but lost in the tournament championship game:

"They are as devastated of a team as I've had to deal with with right now," he said. "It was very emotional to deal with after the game, they're still not ready to move on."

Bonus! Here's a quick interview with Klay Thompson with his thoughts on the NIT.

Klay Thompson on the NIT (via WSUCougarAthletics)

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Could no one get Klay a flashlight?

I don’t know if he wants to hunt from the shadows or what, but if I hadn’t ever heard his voice before I’d dare whoever shot that to prove to me it was Klay Thompson speaking. That said, I’m glad we got the high seed, and I look forward to trying to make old alums yell with some life on Wednesday. Let’s go take what’s ours.

by cougdude50 on Mar 13, 2011 11:10 PM PDT reply actions

I shoulda stayed in Pullman.

I hope enough people show up. That place was a friggin ghost town this weekend.

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by Kyle Rancourt on Mar 13, 2011 11:25 PM PDT reply actions

I'd have to imagine there will be people making the trek into town.

Students/fans from Spokane possibly plus most likely the season ticket holders.

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by Coug999 on Mar 13, 2011 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll be coming down for the game!

I live in Spokane and I’m on break, I really have no excuse.

by Bleezz on Mar 14, 2011 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Keep the season rollin'

Congrats to Coach Bone and the Team on a #2 seed in the NIT. We’re proud of you and look forward to cheering you on in an extended basketball season all the way to the Garden.
It’ll be good practice for next year when we get to mix it up as kings of the prom. Y’all come back now and get it done next year. We’re not finished yet. Go Cougs!

by PDXCoug on Mar 13, 2011 11:53 PM PDT reply actions

Did anyone else cringe

when he said he was glad to get to play another game in Beasley? This whole going or not going thing is gonna drive me nuts. Fan pessimism at its worst, I guess

by Coug11 on Mar 14, 2011 12:59 AM PDT reply actions

It's kind of funny, really.

Until he actually addresses the topic, every word that comes out of his mouth will be analyzed by this. He could make a completely offhand comment and everyone (myself included) is going to take the comment and decide what it means for the future.

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by Coug999 on Mar 14, 2011 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions

I cringed also

by Dgood on Mar 14, 2011 3:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Did they just run into Klay on the ground floor of the CUB?

That is a really bad place to do an interview. But Klay is smiling a lot in the video hopefully that means we come out ready to play and get past the Beach and validate our season with an NIT run.

"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."

by kelly20210 on Mar 14, 2011 1:22 AM PDT reply actions

He was probably down there watching Sportscenter and Jersey Shore with Coug999.

by Mark Sandritter on Mar 14, 2011 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions

That would be a situation.....

"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."

by kelly20210 on Mar 14, 2011 1:27 AM PDT up reply actions

You forgot SportsNation.

And there aren’t any TV’s down there. Boy, don’t you feel dumb…

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by Coug999 on Mar 14, 2011 1:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Now, now play nice ;)

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by Neil Vincent Roberts on Mar 14, 2011 6:17 AM PDT up reply actions

I prefer SportsDome myself

Too bad it’s only on once a week.

by Aaron Whiteman on Mar 14, 2011 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions

One of the interesting things in Grippi's article

is how the Cougs knew that their loss to the Huskies sealed their fate and that they should be ready for Long Beach State, not lamenting over what could have been. It also talks about how Long Beach State is on the flip side of that same coin and is emotionally devastated right now.

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by Neil Vincent Roberts on Mar 14, 2011 6:50 AM PDT reply actions